Cutting-Edge PLAC Test Could Save Your Life

How healthy are you? You've been to the doctor and all your numbers seem normal. Are they really? There's a new cutting edge test called a PLAC test. The PLAC text measures a blood enzyme named Lp-PLA2 (Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2). This enzyme determines how much plaque has formed in your arteries which could lead to heart attack or stroke in otherwise healthy people and is related to inflammation in the arteries.

In the past a general cholesterol test has been enough to indicate if you were a candidate for a heart attack or stroke. The results of a cholesterol test can be good and in the normal range while your PLAC test can reveal something else.

Cholesterol is the leading cause of plaque buildup, a fatty deposit that forms on the walls of the arteries causing inflammation. When the walls of the arteries become inflamed, your body begins to produce the enzyme Lp-PLA2.

A simple bloodtest can determine if the amount of Lp-PLA2 is high. If Lp-PLA2 is measured to be over 200 ng/mL it can indicate that the plaque has built up and is more likely to rupture. A rupture of this plaque into your bloodstream can cause a clot and result in heart attack or stroke.

Patients who have been determined to already have coronary artery disease with levels of Lp-PLA2 below 200 ng/mL have been found not to have a heart attack in the four year study program. Studies suggest that 50% of heart attack and stroke victims had no underlying problems or elevated cholesterol and no symptoms. These figures show that the PLAC test is extremely helpful in detecting hidden problems and helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes from occurring with an advanced treatment.

People who are physically active and get plenty of exercise can also be at risk for heart disease and stroke. Retired NFL football players and other athletes who have normal ranges of cholesterol and blood pressure have undergone this new PLAC test and discovered they were at high risk for coronary artery diseases. The average person who gets moderate levels of physical fitness and eats a moderately healthy diet could be at a higher risk as well and should be tested for the enzyme Lp-PLA2.

The treatments to get these numbers down for the Lp-PLA2 enzyme are more aggressive than transitional methods of lowering cholesterol, but promising results are indicated by upping physical activity and eating a well-balanced healthier diet. A prescription may also be prescribed if the levels of Lp-PLA2 are very high.

Not all doctors are using the PLAC test at this time. If your test results do not indicate a PLAC test has been done, you can request one from your doctor or ask him for a referral to a facility that does perform this test.