Risk Factors for People with Low LDL Cholesterol

A new study of heart disease has identified both lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in individuals who have low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The findings were published in the February 2, 2004, online issue of Circulation.

Individuals in the study with normal LDL levels but elevated levels of both Lp-PLA2 and CRP had three times the risk for a cardiac event. Those with normal LDL levels but elevated Lp-PLA2 levels had twice the risk for a coronary event compared to individuals with low levels of Lp-PLA2. One-third of heart attacks occurred in individuals with low cholesterol, below 130 mg/dl.

"In the current guidelines, drug therapy is not recommended in primary prevention of CHD for individuals with LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dl. A Lp-PLA2 measurement with the PLAC test helps identify those who may benefit from risk reduction interventions, such as improved diet, exercise, and drug therapy, before a coronary event occurs,” said lead author Christie M. Ballantyne, M.D., director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX, USA).

Lp-PLA2 levels can be measured using the PLAC test developed by diaDexus (So. San Francisco, CA, USA).




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