LP-PLA2, in Visit Clinic

Lp-PLA2 measures levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, an enzyme produced by inflammatory cells and carried on LDL particles. Elevated Lp-PLA2 indicates vascular inflammation and is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, plaque instability, and future cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke). It’s used as an adjunctive biomarker to help assess cardiovascular risk alongside traditional risk factors.

No. Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2) is an enzyme that binds to lipoproteins and promotes vascular inflammation. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is an LDL-like particle containing apolipoprotein(a). They are distinct, though Lp-PLA2 can associate with Lp(a). Both are independent cardiovascular risk markers; treatments and tests differ.

High Lp-PLA2 levels are mainly driven by vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Elevated LDL (especially oxidized LDL) stimulates Lp-PLA2 production by macrophages and arterial cells. Risk factors include high LDL/cholesterol, smoking, diabetes (especially if poorly controlled), hypertension, obesity/metabolic syndrome, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, advancing age, male sex, family history and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Normal Lp‑PLA2 (mass) is generally considered <200 ng/mL. Values 200–235 ng/mL are borderline/elevated and >235 ng/mL indicate higher cardiovascular risk. Some labs measure Lp‑PLA2 activity rather than mass; activity reference ranges vary by assay, so check your lab’s units and discuss results with your clinician.

Yes. Lp‑PLA2 is encoded by the PLA2G7 gene; inherited variants can change enzyme activity or circulating levels and modestly affect cardiovascular risk (some loss‑of‑function mutations reduce activity). However, non‑genetic factors—lipid levels, inflammation, smoking, and diet—substantially influence Lp‑PLA2 concentrations, so genetics is only one contributor to overall levels and risk.

LP can mean different things. If "LP" means lipid profile (lipid panel), then yes: it's a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. If "LP" refers to lumbar puncture, then no: that's a procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid (not blood) for tests for infection, inflammation or bleeding. Ask your clinician which meaning applies.