What does the Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 test measure?

Why is Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 measured?

Lp-PLA2 reflects vascular inflammation and plaque vulnerability rather than systemic inflammation or hepatic acute-phase response. Elevated activity is associated with increased risk of coronary events and stroke, particularly in patients with established cardiovascular disease or diabetes. It adds prognostic information beyond traditional risk factors and lipid panels, and some practitioners use it to guide intensification of statin therapy or to identify patients who may benefit from additional anti-inflammatory strategies. The enzyme is not routinely measured in all guidelines but is valued in advanced lipid and cardiovascular risk assessment.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Typically <200 ng/mL; assay-specific thresholds apply.

Functional medicine optimal

<200 ng/mL is generally considered lower risk; values >200 ng/mL suggest higher plaque-related inflammatory burden.

Units

ng/mL, µg/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.