Dr. Blanchet : A New Drug for At Risk Lp-PLa2 ?

QUESTION: "My Lp-PLA2  bloodwork shows me
at risk for arterial inflammation.  I understand there is a
new drug being tested to reduce Lp-PLA2.  Should I take it
as soon as it is available?"


GENERAL BACKGROUND:


Advanced tests measure blood levels of an enzyme called
lipoprotein phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). The
Lp-PLA2 enzyme unleashes a chain of harmful events culminating in
endothelial dysfunction, which is a pathological
abnormality in the blood vessel wall that sets the stage for
atherosclerosis, plaque accumulation, and rupture.


An elevated level of Lp-PLA2 may signal that an arterial plaque
is susceptible to rupture, which could cause a clot to break
loose, precipitating a heart attack or stroke.