Cerebrovascular disease is a major threat to modern health.

　　According to statistics, the number of patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China has reached 290 million in recent years, and deaths from these conditions account for more than 40% of all fatalities. Acute events such as cerebral infarction and stroke no longer affect only the elderly; with the accelerating pace of life and changes in dietary patterns, an increasing number of young people are facing a growing risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

　　Atherosclerosis is the most common and clinically significant form of a group of vascular disorders collectively known as arteriosclerosis. It is characterized by thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the vessel lumen. The yellow, porridge‑like appearance of lipid deposits on the arterial intima gives rise to the term “atherosclerosis.” Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and obesity are recognized risk factors for atherosclerosis. Persistent exposure to these risk factors ultimately triggers the development of atherosclerosis. To date, the precise pathogenic mechanisms of atherosclerosis remain incompletely understood; however, a growing consensus holds that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Multiple risk factors disrupt endothelial function—serving as initiators of inflammation—leading to lipid oxidation and foam cell formation, which constitute critical steps in the atherogenic process. Subsequently, cytokines, inflammatory mediators, bioactive enzymes, and the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells further exacerbate inflammation, culminating in the onset of atherosclerosis.

　　Atherosclerosis poses extremely serious health risks, and depending on the arterial location, it manifests with distinct clinical symptoms and complications:

　　In patients with coronary atherosclerosis, if the degree of luminal stenosis exceeds 75%, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death may occur.

　　Cerebral arteriosclerosis may lead to cerebral ischemia, brain atrophy, or rupture and hemorrhage of cerebral vessels.

　　Renal artery atherosclerosis: commonly causes nocturia and refractory hypertension; in severe cases, it may lead to renal insufficiency.

　　Mesenteric arterial atherosclerosis may manifest as postprandial abdominal pain, hematochezia, and other symptoms.

　　Lower extremity atherosclerosis: In cases of severe luminal stenosis, symptoms may include intermittent claudication and disappearance of the dorsalis pedis pulse.

　　Diagnostic test for atherosclerotic plaques: lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2

　　Lipoprotein‑associated phospholipase A2 contributes to the occurrence of severe cardiovascular events that pose a significant threat to health, with its most direct and central role being linked to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. This enzyme is involved in the entire cascade of atherosclerosis, spanning plaque formation and growth, plaque rupture, thrombus formation, and ultimately the onset of a range of serious cardiovascular outcomes, including cerebral stroke, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris.

　　Lipoprotein‑associated phospholipase A2, abbreviated as Lp‑PLA2, is synthesized and secreted by mature macrophages and lymphocytes. It serves as a specific biomarker of vascular inflammation and is unaffected by inflammatory processes in other tissues. Most of it is associated with low‑density lipoprotein (LDL). Lp‑PLA2 hydrolyzes phospholipids on oxidized LDL‑C, generating pro‑inflammatory mediators such as lyso‑PC and oxidized fatty acids, thereby promoting inflammation and accelerating atherosclerosis. Consequently, Lp‑PLA2 levels can be used to dynamically monitor the degree of inflammation and stability of atherosclerotic plaques: elevated levels correlate with heightened inflammation, while increased concentrations also signal plaque instability. Moreover, Lp‑PLA2 represents a predictive marker for identifying individuals at high risk of atherosclerosis‑related secondary cardiovascular events.

　　Through an introduction to lipoprotein‑associated phospholipase A2, you can see that it is a key player in atherosclerotic events. Do not overlook its levels; even before imaging reveals the extent of your vascular lesions, it serves as a highly specific, dynamic biomarker that reflects the degree of cardiovascular inflammation.

　　How can we prevent the onset of atherosclerosis? First and foremost, we must manage its risk factors. But why is it so important to control these risk factors? Simply put:

　　Hyperlipidemia: Lipids are transported in the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX‑LDL) is the primary atherogenic factor, readily inducing atherosclerosis.

　　Hypertension: In hypertension, the shear stress of blood flow on the vascular wall is elevated, which can lead to endothelial injury and dysfunction.

　　Smoking: Heavy smoking can promote the oxidation of LDL in the blood and increase CO levels, leading to hypoxic injury of the vascular endothelium.

　　Diabetes: Patients with diabetes exhibit markedly elevated serum cholesterol levels, yet have reduced HDL levels. Moreover, hyperglycemia can lead to LDL glycation and hypertriglyceridemia.

　　Having learned about these risk factors and lipoprotein‑associated phospholipase A2, young people can promptly help their parents adopt a healthy lifestyle: monitor and manage blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure; quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption; engage in moderate physical activity; maintain a healthy weight; and cultivate a calm, balanced mindset. In addition, arrange regular comprehensive health check-ups for your parents, paying particular attention to the results of lipid profile, blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipoprotein‑associated phospholipase A2 tests. This will enable timely adjustments to their lifestyle and facilitate collaboration with their physician to develop and follow an appropriate treatment plan, thereby helping to prevent the onset and progression of cardiovascular events.

　　At present, numerous large Grade‑III hospitals and health‑checkup centers across China have introduced the lipoprotein‑associated phospholipase A2 assay offered by Nanjing Norman Biotechnology. We recommend that adults aged 50 and older undergo annual Lp‑PLA2 testing to monitor their risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.