Cardiovascular Risk
£330
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Biomarkers Included with the Cardiovascular Risk blood test
Scroll down for more information about each biomarker
Lp-PLA2 (PLAC Test)
Cholesterol
Cholesterol:HDL ratio
Triglycerides
Apolipoprotein A
Apolipoprotein B
CRP (High Sensitivity – hsCRP)
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
Non HDL Cholesterol
Lipoprotein a
Why choose us for your Cardiovascular Risk
About the Cardiovascular Risk blood test
This test should help to identify hidden risk of cardiovascular event that might be missed by more conventional risk factors (eg cholesterol levles, blood pressure, family and smoking history).
High levels are indicative of increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Imaging tests whilst able to assess the anatomical state of blood vessels, cannot identify plaque that is vulnerable to rupture
What is the PLAC Test
The PLAC test measures the amount of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase (Lp_PLA2) in blood. Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme primarily associated with low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL carries Lp-PLA2 to the coronary artery walls where it activates an inflammatory response. If present, this causes plaque to become more prone to rupture. Because this enzyme is associated with causing inflammation of coronary artery walls, high levels of Lp-PLA2 would therefore seem to indicate an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Given that the majority of heart attacks and strokes are caused by plaque rupture and thrombosis, individuals with high levels or Lp-PLA2 might benefit from more aggressive management with lipid lowering agents, therapeutic intervention and/or lifestyle changes.
Traditional inflammatory markers, such as hsCRP, and CRP, whilst recognised as being useful systemic inflammatory markers are not as sensitive for identifying inflammation of the coronary artery walls. As a result, the PLAC test, which is measuring levels of Lp_PLA2, serves as a specific independent coronary marker.
- Lp-PLA2 is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors
- Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme produced in the plaque and its measurement is therefore more specific than other inflammatory markers.
- Increases in Lp-PLA2 levels are not caused by traditional risk factors.
- Imaging tests whilst able to assess the anatomical stat of blood vessels, cannot identify plaque that is vulnerable to rupture.
Lp-PLA2 levels should help to identify hidden risk of cardiovascular event that might be missed by more conventional risk factors (e.g. cholesterol levels, blood pressure, family and smoking history). Lipid levels alone cannot provide a great deal of information on the status of the artery wall whereas Lp-PLA2 is a direct measure of artery wall enzyme activity, independent of other cardiovascular markers. It is intended that the PLAC test should replace blood lipid testing or other traditional risk factors identified for cardiovascular disease. It provides an additional independent risk marker.
Biomarker information for Cardiovascular Risk blood test
The enzyme lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) plays a role in the inflammation of blood vessels, promoting the build up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Lp-PLA2 is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and because it is produced in the plaque itself, Lp-PLA2 is thought to be more sensitive at assessing cardiovascular disease risk than traditional inflammatory markers, such as CRP.
Cholesterol is an essential fat (lipid) in the body. It has some important functions, including building cell membranes and producing a number of essential hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol. There are a number of different types of cholesterol, but the two main components of total cholesterol are HDL (high density lipoprotein) -“Good” and LDL (low density lipoprotein)- “Bad”.
The total cholesterol result on its own only shows the total amount of both of these components and so even if you have a good amount of total cholesterol, you may have a low amount of good cholesterol and high amount of bad cholesterol therefore its important to review each of these results to understand your cardiovascular health and risks of cardiovascular disease.
The cholesterol/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol level. It is used as a measure of cardiovascular risk because it gives a good insight into the proportion of your total cholesterol which is “good” (i.e. high-density lipoprotein, HDL). If your health check includes advanced cardiovascular risk scoring – QRisk then this value is important and used to help calculate your risk of having a heart attack.
Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulate in the blood. After you eat, your body converts excess calories (whether from fat or carbohydrates) into triglycerides which are then transported to cells to be stored as fat. Your body then releases triglycerides when required for energy.
Apolipoprotein A1, or ApoA1 is a major protein that is a component of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol. It helps clear cholesterol from the blood by removing cholesterol from organs and tissues to be destroyed by the liver.
Apolipoprotein B, or ApoB is the primary apolipoprotein of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or bad cholesterol). It is responsible for carrying cholesterol to tissues.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker used to assess whether there is inflammation in the body – it does not identify where the inflammation is located. High Sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs) is a test used to detect low-level inflammation thought to damage blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. When you suffer a serious injury or infection you experience significant inflammation around the site of injury – such as the swelling around a twisted ankle. Any injury like this will cause your CRP-hs to rise.
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is a molecule in the body which removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body in bile. HDL cholesterol is commonly known as ‘good cholesterol’.
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is a molecule made of lipids and proteins which transports cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats to various tissues throughout the body. Too much LDL cholesterol, commonly called ‘bad cholesterol’, can cause fatty deposits to accumulate inside artery walls, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Cholesterol in your body is generally broken down into 2 main components; HDL and LDL. However there are other types of cholesterol such as VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins which are thought to be even more harmful than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting your HDL cholesterol value from your total cholesterol. It therefore includes all the potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood including LDL. As such, it is considered to be a better marker for cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Lipoproteins are particles made of protein and fats (lipids). They carry cholesterol through your bloodstream to your cells. Lipoprotein a is a lot like LDL cholesterol (sometimes called ‘bad cholesterol’) but it’s more ‘sticky’. If you have high levels of lipoprotein (a) in your blood, it can stick to your artery walls and clog them up, leading to heart disease and stroke at a young age
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What does the Cardiovascular Risk blood test involve?
This blood test is just like a standard blood test.
You will be asked to uncover you left or right arm and suitable vein is found. A tourniquet will be placed and tightened around your upper arm allowing the veins to swell and a needle will be placed into your vein. A small quantity of blood is then drawn into tubes. Once the procedure is complete a small plaster will be placed onto the site which can be removed after a few hours.
How do I prepare
- The blood test requires access to the area of interest, therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- If you are unsure about the preparation, please contact us for further information.
How to find us
We pride ourselves on providing the best quality service we can which is why we are trusted by GP's, doctors, physiotherapists, midwives and many other healthcare professionals.
Our mission of better quality healthcare for everyone is at the heart of everything we do and drives us to do the best we can for each and every patient that we see. Our team of experts have years of experience and are fully registered and regulated meaning you are in safe hands with us.
Cardiovascular Risk FAQ's
Important Notes
- We may require details of your GP / Health Care Professional before or at the time of the test.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- Blood results require interpretation. All results should be interpreted by your regular health care professional / GP.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 16 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.