An enzyme found in blood that binds predominately to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was implicated as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Increased activity of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂), also known as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), is often associated with atherosclerosis. It is considered key to the progression and rupture of fatty plaques that can block coronary arteries and lead to heart attacks.

The activity and mass of LpPLA₂ was measured in high-risk patients undergoing arteriography (angiography), a medical imaging technique that visualizes the lumen of blood vessels and heart chambers. There were 336 Caucasians and 224 African-Americans participants in the study.

The results of the study showed that LpPLA₂ activity was increased in both Caucasians and Afro-Americans, who had coronary heart disease, but only in the latter group was the LpPLA₂ index found to be independently predictive of coronary artery disease.

"Arteriography is highly effective, but considered too risky and expensive for general screening," said Lars Berglund MD PhD, the lead scientist at the University of California, (UC Davis; Sacramento, CA, USA). Therefore, a simple blood test that could reliably predict the risk of a heart attack would be preferable to the invasive procedure. The test for LpPLA₂ is widely available and further studies of this enzyme and other inflammatory components on a wider population will enable scientists to diagnose and predict heart disease in different ethnic and racial groups.

The study was published in 2010 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The information provided in this study will enable physicians to tailor the therapy to the patient's specific needs.

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