Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, a multinational pathology chain recently conducted a pan India PLAC study over 300 samples. Out of the 311 samples analysed, over 30 per cent between the age group 30 and 50 years were found to be at a high risk for developing coronary heart disease.

The PLAC test or the Lp-PLA2 (Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2) test is a simple blood test that predicts the risk of heart attack and stroke in the next 5 years. It is a simple test which can tell you how healthy your heart is and measures the enzyme activity of Lp-PLA2 level in the body.

The diagnostic major indicated that 50 per cent of heart attacks occur in patients with normal cholesterol levels. Traditional markers of cardiovascular risk like HDL, LDL VLDL and triglycerides indicate to physicians very little about acute risk of heart attack simply because these tests do not include any inflammatory markers. So, individuals with moderate risk as determined by these standard tests may actually be at a greater risk of developing heart attack or stroke than predicted.

The reason to opt for PLAC test according to Metropolis is that individuals with normal cholesterol levels and higher levels of PLAC are at a greater risk of developing heart attack. Likewise, individuals with high cholesterol but low levels of PLAC are at a lower risk of developing heart attack and continue to lead a normal life. Hence the PLAC test acts as an independent marker of heart health which is imperative of your cholesterol levels.

LP-PLA2 is an enzyme that is involved in the formation of a plaque that is prone to rupture. Thus people with increased levels of blood level of Lp-PLA2 are at a greater risk of developing heart attack and stroke.

In December 2014, the US FDA has approved this as a screening test in all adults with no history of heart disease. Apart from this, Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) test is recommended in 4 major guidelines: AACE Guideline 2012 | European Society of Cardiology 2012 | AHA / ASA Guideline 2011 (American Heart Association / American Stroke Association) | AACF Guideline 2010 (American College of Cardiology Foundation).

Now Metropolis is one of the few laboratories in India to offer PLAC test. It conducted a random pan India study on 311 samples for PLAC test. Out of 311 samples analysed, about 29 per cent between the age group of 30 and 50 years were found to be at high risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).

“It is not a surprise that over 50 per cent heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels because majority of heart attacks are caused by plaque ruptures. This is a simple blood test to assess your heart health,” stated Dr. Sonali Kolte, general manager, medico marketing, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.