Lp-PLA2
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How is it used?The Lp-PLA2 test is sometimes used by a doctor along with other cardiac risk markers to help evaluate a person's risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) or to help determine the risk of having an ischemic stroke. It would typically be indicated for someone who was at a moderate to elevated risk for CHD or stroke, someone with one or more risk factors. For instance, it may be ordered when someone has normal or minimally elevated lipid levels and/or borderline high blood pressure (hypertension).
An Lp-PLA2 test may be ordered along with an hs-CRP test to evaluate a person's level of underlying inflammation and can be ordered when someone has an inflammatory condition, as it is not affected by systemic inflammation.
Lp-PLA2 is a new test that is not frequently ordered and its full clinical utility has yet to be established. It is intended to give a doctor additional information, not to replace testing cholesterol and other lipid levels.
Some researchers are exploring whether treatments to lower Lp-PLA2 levels may decrease a person's risk of CHD and ischemic stroke. If the risk is found to be lowered, then the Lp-PLA2 test may potentially be ordered more frequently and used to monitor a person's response to treatment and risk reduction.
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When is it ordered?Lp-PLA2 is a new test that is not frequently ordered. Some doctors may order it along with other cardiac risk markers when someone has a family history of CHD, has metabolic syndrome, and/or is considered to be at a moderate to elevated risk for CHD or ischemic stroke.
The test may be useful when a person has an inflammatory condition and an hs-CRP test cannot be performed.
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What does the test result mean?Significantly elevated Lp-PLA2 levels indicate an increased risk for developing CHD or of having an ischemic stroke and provide a doctor with additional information about the tested person's overall risk. The test is not diagnostic of CHD or ischemic stroke; it is a risk indicator. Many people with increased concentrations will not develop these conditions, and some with normal levels will.
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Is there anything else I should know?While the findings from recent studies support the potential usefulness of Lp-PLA2 in CHD and ischemic stroke risk assessment, its ultimate clinical utility has yet to be established.
The Lp-PLA2 test is not widely available. In most cases, the blood sample will be sent to a reference laboratory and results will be available within a few days.
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Quão mortais são os acidentes vasculares cerebrais?
De acordo com o Ministério da Saúde, o acidente vascular cerebral é a principal causa de morte no Brasil. Mais de 80% dos acidentes vasculares cerebrais são isquêmicos. Mais de 80% dos acidentes vasculares cerebrais são isquêmicos.
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Todas as pessoas devem realizar o teste de Lp-PLA2?
Atualmente, este teste não é indicado nem recomendado para a população geral, pelas principais organizações de saúde, como teste de triagem ou como principal marcador de risco cardíaco primário. Seu medico irá prescrever o melhor teste para determinar o risco de desenvolvimento de DCV e fornecer-lhe informações sobre as mudanças necessárias para reduzir o risco.