Focus on Your Stroke Risk

While many of the risk factors for stroke and heart disease are the same, some are not. The major difference is cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels are useful in helping a physician determine if someone is at risk for heart disease, but they provide little information on the individual's risk for stroke. The PLAC® test is the only FDA-cleared blood test currently available to aid in assessing your risk for ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerosis.

Several other factors have been identified to increase the risk of having a stroke. Most of them can be modified, treated or controlled. Some cannot.

You can have many of the risk factors for stroke, even if you aren't feeling sick. Because most risk factors for stroke don't present with symptoms, you should see your doctor to assess your risk. The best way to prevent a stroke is to reduce your stroke risk factors. Your doctor can help you determine the best ways to reduce your risk of stroke.

Risk Factors for Stroke that can be Controlled or Treated
High Blood Pressure
Tobacco Use
Diabetes Mellitus
Atrial Fibrillation and Other Heart Disease
Certain Blood Disorders
Physical Inactivity and Obesity

Risk Factors for Stroke that cannot be Controlled or Treated
Increasing Age
Sex (Gender)
Heredity (Family History) and Race
Prior Stroke or Heart Attack
Previous Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - "mini" or "warning" stroke

(Source: American Stroke Association)

The PLAC test for Lp-PLA2 has been identified as a new risk factor for ischemic stroke. Ask your doctor if the PLAC test is right for you.

The PLAC Test

  • is a simple blood test ordered by your physician
  • can be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation as an aid in predicting your risk for ischemic stroke
  • is the only FDA-cleared blood test used to assess your risk for having an ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerosis
  • measures the levels of Lp-PLA2, an enzyme involved in the formation of plaque within the arteries
  • can be taken at any time, even if you have eaten that day
  • informs you if you are at increased risk for having an ischemic stroke
  • provides results that are independent of other risk factors

Learn To Recognize a Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others. Every second counts.

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms! Time lost is brain lost!

(Source: American Stroke Association)

The PLAC® test for Lp-PLA2 is an Important New Risk Factor
With emerging science on the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis and stroke, the PLAC test for Lp-PLA2 has been identified as an important direct risk factor for stroke. Ask your physician about the PLAC test for identifying elevated Lp-PLA2 levels.