PLAC TEST

[Andyjneale]

Recently I had a health check up with Bluecrest Health.

Overall my results were encouraging except my PLAC TEST. This was red flagged as to high against the target.

I have been to see my doctor who really wasn’t to bothered about it and in his words didn’t really know and heard of this test before?

The doctor did a stroke risk assessment on me which took into account my blood pressure, BMI, height, weight and age. This came out ok.

Should I still be worried and look for a 2nd opinion about this one result?

Thanks

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello Andy and welcome to the forum! The PLAC test is for Lp-PLA2 and is an indicator of risk rather that CVD (coronary vascular disease). It is one of those tests not commonly carried out on the NHS.

Now you have been flagged at risk it is really up to you. You should be eating a Mediterranean style diet, maintaining a normal BMI (20 - 25) and exercising regularly. I assume your cholesterol was measured and as you are "at risk" you should aim at a total value of 4.0 or less. BP should be 130/75 or lower. The only other factors are drink within the guidelines and absolutely zero smoking and recreational drugs (although probably not relevant). And do not worry about it as stress is not good!

[Andyjneale in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for the reply.

BP 114/77

BMI 24.1

Cholesterol a little high 5.27 but has come down from a year ago.

Mediterranean diet has been something I’m looking at.

Thanks

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Andyjneale]

Things generally look good. At that cholesterol level it may be worth trying Benecol as it can reduce the level by 17%, Also worth taking is 1000mg SR Vitamin C to reduce any inflammation. Think of sailors and scurvy - they were given lime juice on long voyages.

[COYW in reply to MichaelJH]

Not heard that vit C lowers inflammation. Interesting. I take it anyway at that dose for cold prevention.

[Kimkat in reply to COYW]

It might also be worth knowing that if your vit D is low your body can’t absorb vit C, as told to me at a bone scan .

[COYW in reply to Kimkat]

Thanks 😀

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to COYW]

I am just getting over a very nasty cold - maybe it would have been worse!

The link between Vitamin C and inflammation of blood vessels was first observed when old time sailors developed scurvy. Then around 20 years ago it was observed to slow inflammation associated with PAD (peripheral arterial disease). Reaction of cardiologists varies. My surgeon and a specialist cardiac nurse thought it entirely sensible so that is good enough for me.

[Kimkat in reply to MichaelJH]

Echinacea is great for this time of year, definitely holds those colds at bay

[Kimkat in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael, my GP told me that a total cholesterol of 5 or less, which I’m pleased to say I’m within range, so have the goalposts changed again?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Kimkat]

No, the target is 5.0 or below. However, this drops to 4.0 or below if there any cardic history, signs of Atherosclerosis, PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease), Diabetes, COPD, etc. I get my latest results tomorrow, last time 3.1.

[Chappychap]

For several years I had an annual private medical on a company policy. The message I got was there wasn't too much to be concerned about, yes there were several metrics that could be a bit better but heck, the doctors all had far more serious patients on their books.

This was pretty reassuring...and remained so right up until the moment the diagnosis suddenly became much bleaker and I was fast tracked to a triple heart bypass!

If I had my time again I'd be less carefree about my health and aim for higher standards. I wouldn't become anxious, but I'd ask myself what I could practically do about each and every shortfall (no matter how small) on the major risk factors. And yes, I'm convinced diet is a HUGE issue and even though you'll hear a lot of passionate arguments for all sorts of regimes, a Mediterranean diet as recommended by both the NHS and the BHF is a superb place to start.

Good luck!

[Henry20]

I agree with Chappychap's comments. However, please consider something I have just found out about my ancestors. I have known for a long time there was heart disease in the family, but what is new is finding out the extent of it. So many more, it turns out, died of some form of heart disease, so another bit of the heart disease jigsaw comes into play. I cannot do much about this, but it does make me much more sensitive to all these risk factors.

However, there is a difficulty as we all need cholesterol to live, so suppressing it too far might not be good for you, particularly if you are elderly apparently. Balance in all things and just stay aware of what your body is telling you.

Good luck

Henry

[TiggerBoy]

I went with Bluecrest, and got orange on that test, seeing my GP on the 14th Nov. Also been told that I have LBBB by BC. Second opinion can't hurt.