What Is Lp-PLA2?
Lp‑PLA2 is an enzyme made by inflammatory (immune) cells. Most of it travels through the blood attached to LDL (“bad cholesterol”) particles.
Lp‑PLA2 breaks down damaged fats called oxidized phospholipids. This reaction creates substances that may add to inflammation in artery walls.1 Lp-PLA2 is also found in atherosclerotic plaque — the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other material inside an artery.
Because most Lp-PLA2 is carried on ApoB-containing lipoproteins, higher ApoB levels often correspond with higher Lp-PLA2 activity.
Is Lp-PLA2 the Same as Lp(a)?
No. Despite their similar names, Lp-PLA2 and lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), are different heart markers.
Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme linked to lipoproteins and inflammation. Lp(a) is an inherited cholesterol-carrying particle that can contribute to plaque buildup and blood clots. A physician may test both because they provide different information about cardiovascular risk.
How Is Lp-PLA2 Different From hs-CRP?
Both Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP provide information about inflammation, but they come from different biological pathways.
- hs‑CRP is made by the liver and can rise because of infection, injury, autoimmune disease, obesity, or inflammation anywhere in the body.
- Lp‑PLA2 travels mainly with LDL and is more closely linked to lipid activity and atherosclerosis.
Why Does Lp-PLA2 Matter?
- Can complement ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, and coronary artery calcium scoring when assessing cardiovascular risk
- May increase risk of coronary heart disease. In an analysis of 32 studies involving more than 79,000 people, each standard deviation increase in Lp-PLA2 activity was associated with a 10% higher risk of coronary heart disease. 2
- Gives physicians information that is different from a cholesterol measurement. An Lp-PLA2 test may add information when LDL cholesterol is not especially high but other findings suggest greater cardiovascular risk.
- Reflects inflammation within artery walls rather than general inflammation.
Book your test now
Test 50+ biomarkers & meet with a longevity physician, uncover the root cause of symptoms
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician reviewed
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
How to Interpret Lp-PLA2 Levels
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk.
Benefits of Optimizing Lp-PLA2
- Less inflammation within the artery walls
- More stable arterial plaque
- Better control of underlying cardiovascular risk factors
- A healthier overall heart and blood vessel risk profile
Know your numbers. Own your health.
50+ biomarkers that reflect how your body is functioning — and where there’s room to optimize. Plus a clinical consult and personalized treatment plan. All for $65.
Low Lp-PLA2 Levels
Low Lp-PLA2 activity is generally favorable and suggests less inflammation in your arteries. However, cardiovascular risk should be interpreted alongside ApoB, LDL cholesterol, Lp(a), blood pressure, blood sugar, and other risk factors.
High Lp-PLA2 Levels
Elevated Lp-PLA2 activity suggests increased inflammation associated with cholesterol containing plaque in artery walls. Although it does not diagnose heart disease by itself, higher levels are associated with an increased long-term risk of coronary heart disease.
Symptoms:
A high Lp-PLA2 activity range does not cause symptoms on its own. It is a risk marker found through blood testing.
Causes:
Because most Lp-PLA2 travels on LDL particles, Lp-PLA2 activity above normal range is most closely associated with an atherogenic lipid pattern, meaning a pattern linked to plaque buildup, including:
- Higher LDL cholesterol
- Higher non-HDL cholesterol
- Higher ApoB
- Higher triglycerides
- Lower HDL cholesterol
- Elevated Lp(a)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Insulin resistance
- Smoking
Healthspan Impacts:
- A higher long-term risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events
- A greater need to address proven heart risk factors such as LDL, ApoB, blood pressure, blood sugar, and smoking
How Hone Treats Out of Range Lp-PLA2 Levels
Your Hone physician evaluates if your Lp-PLA2 is normal alongside markers such as LDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Treatment focuses on lowering established cardiovascular risk, especially the number of harmful cholesterol-carrying particles that can enter artery walls.
Zalewski A, Macphee C. (2005). Role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in atherosclerosis: biology, epidemiology, and possible therapeutic target.
↑Lp-PLA2 Studies Collaboration. (2010). Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and risk of coronary disease, stroke, and mortality: collaborative analysis of 32 prospective studies.
↑Sahebkar A, Reiner Ž, Almahmeed W, et al. (2025). Effect of statin treatment on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass and activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
↑
Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
