New Lp-PLA2 Test For Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, has announced that it has begun to offer a test to enable physicians to detect a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease by measuring levels of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2).

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, has announced that it has begun to offer a test to enable physicians to detect a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease by measuring levels of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2). Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 indicate that a patient is at an increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack. Importantly, in some cases, this test identifies patients who do not have other apparent risk factors. The Lp-PLA2 test is designed to be used in conjunction with clinical data and other diagnostic markers, such as LDL.”This exciting new marker for cardiovascular risk assessment has the potential to become an integral part of our cardiovascular test offering, providing additive risk assessment information when used in conjunction with existing risk markers, including low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL and HDL), triglycerides, homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,” said Richard E. Reitz, M.D.(Source: M.S.W.: ZoeMed: Cardiac Life Centre: 29th July 2003)