Lp-PLA2: The Plaque Instability Marker

Standard cholesterol tests show how much plaque you have. The PLAC test shows if that plaque is about to rupture. It's the difference between knowing you have a problem and knowing you have an emergency.

2x
Higher stroke risk
if elevated
FDA
Cleared for
risk assessment
2-4
Days for
results
🔬

What is Lp-PLA2?

🧬 The Science

  • Enzyme produced by inflammatory cells in artery walls
  • Breaks down oxidized LDL inside arterial plaques
  • Produces pro-inflammatory products that destabilize plaque
  • Higher in advanced atherosclerotic lesions than early-stage

⚠️ Why It Matters

  • Predicts heart attack and stroke independent of other risk factors
  • More specific to vascular inflammation than CRP
  • Not elevated in systemic inflammatory conditions
  • Low biological variation — reliable for monitoring

👤 Who Should Test

  • Family history of heart attack or stroke
  • Already have elevated LDL or other lipid abnormalities
  • Borderline risk on traditional cardiovascular scores
  • Previous cardiac events — monitoring treatment effectiveness

📊 Reference Ranges (Lp-PLA2 Activity)

Risk Level Range (nmol/min/mL) Interpretation
Reduced Risk <225 Lower likelihood of unstable plaque
Increased Risk ≥225 Higher risk of coronary events and stroke — discuss with physician

🩸 Test Preparation & Requirements

Fasting Required? No — fasting is not required
Specimen Type Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume Needed 0.5 mL (minimum 0.2 mL)
Turnaround Time 2-4 business days
Test Code 123283
Methodology Spectrophotometric enzymatic assay

Note: Hemolyzed, excessively turbid, or clotted samples may be rejected. Serum or plasma should be separated from cells within two hours of collection.

🔄 Lp-PLA2 vs. hs-CRP

  • hs-CRP measures systemic inflammation (any cause)
  • Lp-PLA2 measures vascular-specific inflammation
  • Lp-PLA2 not elevated by infections, arthritis, etc.
  • Best used together for comprehensive risk assessment

💊 What Affects Lp-PLA2?

  • Statins may reduce Lp-PLA2 levels
  • Weight loss and exercise can improve levels
  • Mediterranean diet associated with lower levels
  • Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce activity

Know Your Plaque Stability

Don't wait for a heart attack to find out your arteries are inflamed. The PLAC test can reveal dangerous vascular inflammation before it becomes a cardiac event.

Get Tested Today