Q: What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?
A: To perform properly, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are delivered by the blood through the coronary arteries. That blood flow can be reduced by a process called atherosclerosis, in which plaques or fatty substances build up inside the walls of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis can affect any blood vessels and causes them to harden. It develops over many years and can begin early, even in childhood.

In CHD, atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries. The fatty buildup, or plaque, can break open and lead to the formation of a blood clot. The clot covers the site of the rupture, also reducing blood flow. When too little blood reaches the heart, it's called cardiac ischemia. If the blood supply is nearly or completely, and abruptly cut off, a heart attack results. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart.

Q: Who is at risk of getting CHD?
A: Blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and family history are all traditionally considered important factors affecting your risk profile. New science indicates that inflammation plays a key role in the development of CHD and Lp-PLA₂ levels are a highly predictive measure of CHD risk. For more information about risk factors, click here.

Q: How much of an impact can lifestyle changes have in preventing coronary heart disease?
A: Lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on preventing CHD; however, they cannot guarantee that you will not be affected. The four most important lifestyle changes you can make are:

• Exercising frequently
• Following a diet low in total fat and saturated fat
• Stopping smoking
• Avoiding excessive use of alcohol

Q: What are the symptoms of CHD?
A: You may not know that you have CHD until you begin to have symptoms from clogged arteries. Chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath are often the first signs of coronary heart disease. Some people don't know that they have CHD until they have a heart attack. If you have more than one risk factor for CHD, including elevated Lp-PLA₂ levels, you should talk with your physician even if you have no symptoms. There are things you can do to lower your risks and improve the health of your heart and blood vessels.

Q: What are the warning signs that I am having a heart attack?
A: When a heart attack happens, every minute counts. Know the warning signs:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back (may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain)
• Discomfort in arm(s), back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath often comes along with chest discomfort, but it also can occur before chest discomfort
• Cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness

Most heart attacks are not sudden and intense, but start slowly, with only mild pain or discomfort. It may not be clear what's wrong - even for those who have had a heart attack before. Signs can change for each attack.

Q: What should I do if I'm having a heart attack?
A: Call 911 to ensure you get fast treatment. Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment immediately - even before arrival at the hospital. They also have equipment to start the heart beating if it stops during the heart attack. Also, patients who use the ambulance tend to receive faster treatment on their arrival at the hospital.

Q: How is coronary heart disease treated?
A: There are three main types of treatment for coronary heart disease: lifestyle, medication, and, for advanced atherosclerosis, special procedures. The first two types of treatment also can help prevent the development of coronary heart disease. The PLAC® test can also aid your physician in the determination of your CHD risk before a heart attack occurs.

Q: Can the PLAC test help me determine if I am at risk for coronary heart disease?
A: The PLAC test is a simple blood test that aids in the determination of coronary heart disease. The PLAC test detects a protein, Lp-PLA2, which contributes directly to this inflammatory process and can provide you and your physician with more information about your risk for CHD. Once you have your complete CHD risk profile, your physician can work with you to determine the best treatment options for lowering any possible risk.

Q: Where can I get a PLAC test?
A: The PLAC test is a simple blood test that can be performed in your physician's office or laboratory patient service center. Ask your doctor if the PLAC test is appropriate for you.

Q: Where can I find more information about coronary heart disease?
A: You'll find a number of useful web resources in the links section of this web site.

If you would like to provide your doctor some more information on the PLAC® test, please click here to print out a sheet you can take with you on your next visit.

 

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