PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)

What is the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)?

The PLAC Test measures lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzyme involved in inflammation within the walls of blood vessels. It is produced by inflammatory cells and is closely associated with unstable atherosclerotic plaques.

Unlike general inflammatory markers, Lp-PLA2 is specific to vascular inflammation, making it particularly useful for assessing risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Elevated levels suggest inflammation within arterial plaques, which increases the likelihood of plaque rupture and cardiovascular events.

This test is often used alongside cholesterol profiles and other cardiovascular markers to provide a more complete picture of heart disease risk.

Why do I need a test for PLAC (Lp-PLA2)?

Traditional cholesterol tests do not always identify people at risk of heart attack or stroke. The PLAC Test helps uncover hidden cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals who appear low-risk based on standard lipid results.

It is especially useful for people with family history of heart disease, metabolic risk factors, or unexplained cardiovascular events despite normal cholesterol.

You may benefit from this test if you experience or have:

• Family history of heart disease or stroke

• Normal cholesterol but ongoing cardiovascular concern

• High blood pressure or diabetes

• Metabolic syndrome

• Smoking history

• Inflammatory conditions affecting vessels

• Previous cardiovascular event

• Desire for advanced heart risk assessment

Benefits of the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)

1. Assesses vascular-specific inflammation
   Targets inflammation within artery walls rather than general inflammation.

2. Identifies hidden cardiovascular risk
   Detects risk not visible through cholesterol testing alone.

3. Supports stroke and heart attack risk assessment
   Elevated levels are linked to plaque instability.

4. Useful alongside cholesterol profiles
   Adds inflammatory insight to lipid-based risk evaluation.

5. Supports preventive cardiology strategies
   Helps identify risk earlier, before symptoms develop.

6. Relevant for people with normal lipid levels
   Useful when cholesterol appears controlled but risk persists.

7. Improves personalised risk stratification
   Helps tailor lifestyle and clinical follow-up decisions.

8. Non-invasive cardiovascular screening tool
   Requires only a blood sample.

Step-by-step – how we offer PLAC (Lp-PLA2) testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• A qualified clinician or phlebotomist collects your blood sample

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your PLAC (Lp-PLA2) results explained

Low Lp-PLA2 levels

Low levels indicate minimal vascular inflammation and lower risk of plaque instability. This suggests a reduced likelihood of inflammation-driven cardiovascular events.

Low results are generally reassuring when interpreted alongside other heart risk markers.

UK reference range:

• Low risk: <200 ng/mL

Moderate Lp-PLA2 levels

Moderate levels suggest some degree of vascular inflammation. This may indicate early plaque activity and emerging cardiovascular risk.

Lifestyle and broader cardiovascular assessment may be considered.

UK reference range:

• Moderate risk: 200–235 ng/mL

High Lp-PLA2 levels

High levels indicate significant vascular inflammation and increased risk of plaque rupture, heart attack, or stroke. This suggests active inflammatory processes within arterial walls.

Further cardiovascular evaluation is often advised.

UK reference range:

• High risk: >235 ng/mL