Myeloperoxidase (MPO) – Cardiovascular risk
When an artery wall is damaged or becomes inflamed, white blood cells accumulate in response and MPO is released at the site of injury. MPO then mediates vascular inflammation and allows for plaque formation that’s indicative of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. MPO eventually enters into the bloodstream, and this combination of detrimental effects indicates that MPO is actively involved in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Elevated MPO levels predict the risk of heart disease in low-risk individuals as well as future cardiovascular events in people presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. Individuals with increased MPO levels are twice as likely to experience cardiovascular mortality than in those whose levels are normal.
MPO levels are not confounded by other inflammatory processes in the body and has been shown to be a specific marker for vascular inflammation.
*This test for MPO is not to be confused with the p-ANCA or anti-MPO antibody test often used when diagnosing autoimmune diseases.
