Lp-PLA2: An Important CVD-Specific Vascular Inflammation Marker   Berkeley HeartLab has added Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) testing to its menu. Lp-PLA2 testing is a natural complement to a comprehensive testing and monitoring approach to reducing cardiovascular risk. It provides additional insight as to whether the potential for vascular disease that is revealed by Berkeley HeartLab S-GGE subclass determination has progressed to an active atherosclerotic process. As the Lp-PLA2 marker is up-regulated during the formation of vascular plaque, it is indicative of both the initiation and continuing progression of the atherosclerotic process. Clinical Implications- Guiding Aggressiveness of Treatment   An elevated Lp-PLA2 value has been demonstrated as an independent predictor of future events and is a warning signal that the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis is active. As such, Lp-PLA2 test results can be very useful in stratifying risk and guiding the aggressiveness of treatment. Elevated levels: May be used to increase aggressiveness of therapy targeting known risk factors. May be used to increase aggressiveness of goal setting for known risk factors. May also be a signal to initiate therapy targeting borderline elevated risk factors. Can be a powerful Patient Motivational Tool as it indicates an active disease process. Additionally Lp-PLA2 shows synergistic predictive ability in conjunction with CRP in numerous studies. Lp-PLA2 levels have been shown to be significantly reduced by both statin and fenofibrate therapies.

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