Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme made mainly by inflammatory cells in the walls of arteries. Most of it travels in the blood attached to LDL cholesterol particles. Within artery walls it helps produce substances that promote inflammation, which is thought to make fatty plaques less stable. The PLAC test measures the activity of this enzyme in the blood.

Some studies have linked higher Lp-PLA2 with a higher chance of heart attack and stroke, independently of cholesterol. However, it is not part of the UK heart risk tools used in the NHS, such as QRISK3, and NICE does not recommend it for routine assessment. It is best seen as an extra marker read with cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and lifestyle factors.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a family history of heart disease or stroke and want a more detailed picture.
• Your cholesterol results are borderline and you are discussing your overall heart risk with a practitioner.
• You already know your cholesterol profile and want additional context on artery inflammation.
• You are making lifestyle changes and would like a baseline for further review.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your Lp-PLA2 activity with the laboratory reference range. Levels within range are reassuring, though they do not remove the risk from other factors such as smoking or high blood pressure. Higher levels have been associated with increased vascular inflammation and are read together with your cholesterol and other risk factors.

A raised result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. Your practitioner will explain how it fits with your overall risk and whether a conversation with your GP about a formal risk assessment would help. If you have chest pain, breathlessness, sudden weakness or other signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 999 or go to A&E rather than book a test.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not essential for Lp-PLA2 itself, but if you are having a cholesterol profile at the same time, a fast of 10 to 12 hours with water only gives the most comparable results. Tell us if you take statins or other cholesterol medicines, as these can lower Lp-PLA2.

Our cholesterol blood tests cover the standard lipid profile that underpins any heart risk assessment, and HbA1c adds blood sugar to the picture. View every blood test and price in Chiswick alongside these.

Questions

How much is an Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) test in Chiswick?

The Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) test costs £179 at Omnia Lifestyle. That includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is Lp-PLA2 better than a cholesterol test?

No. A cholesterol profile is the foundation of heart risk assessment. Lp-PLA2 adds information but does not replace it.

Can lifestyle changes lower Lp-PLA2?

Stopping smoking, eating well, being active and treating raised cholesterol can all help reduce overall heart risk, and statins can lower Lp-PLA2.

Does a normal result mean my heart is healthy?

Not on its own. Heart health depends on many factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking and family history.