CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
PLAC blood test
- Test results within 48 hours
- No.1 for private cardiac care in the UK
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
PLAC blood test at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we perform more than 50,000 diagnostic tests and treat over 36,000 cardiac patients each year – more than any other UK private healthcare provider. It’s why we’re ranked No.1 for private cardiac care.
If you’re worried about your cardiovascular health or want to check your risk of heart disease and stroke, we can help. We offer quick access to a PLAC blood test, confirming your appointment within 24 hours and getting your results to your GP or consultant within 48 hours.
PLAC refers to an enzyme called plasma Lp-PLA2, which measures inflammation in the walls of blood vessels. Lp-PLA2 is linked to an increase of fatty cholesterol deposits (called plaques) in the arteries. Plaque build-up can cause the arteries to harden and narrow, reducing, or even blocking off, blood flow to the organs. This can cause a heart attack or a stroke from a blood clot.
A PLAC blood test helps identify early warning signs of the risk of heart disease or stroke before you have a heart attack or stroke.
Your GP or consultant may refer you for this test if you smoke or if there’s a history of heart disease in your immediate family (a parent or sibling), regardless of your actual cholesterol level. This is because it’s more sensitive than a standard cholesterol test.
If you’d like to see a GP to discuss your heart health, we can help. We can usually arrange a same- or next-day private GP appointment. You can also book directly to see one of our consultant cardiologists, who specialise in heart care.
Your GP or consultant will explain what will happen during the test and will answer any questions you may have. Remember to tell them if you’re taking any blood thinning medication, such as aspirin, or if you have any conditions that make you more likely to bleed or bruise.
Your GP or consultant will let you know exactly what you should do before the blood test. This may involve not taking a particular medication or having to fast for a certain amount of time before your blood test.
Rapid access to tests and scans
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art facilities
Access innovative treatment options.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any of our 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Our locations
Where can I have my PLAC blood test?
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
What to expect
Your PLAC blood test at HCA UK
We want you to feel informed and reassured at every stage of your time with us, from your initial consultation to when you’re discussing your blood test results and any next steps with one of our cardiovascular specialists. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
01
Booking your test
Whether you’ve been referred by your GP or one of our expert cardiology consultants, our helpful cardiac referral team is ready to take your call on 020 7616 4988. They’ll book you in for your PLAC blood test at your chosen location and at a time and date that suits you.
02
Before your blood test
Your GP or consultant will let you know exactly what you should do before the blood test. This may involve not taking a particular medication or having to fast for a certain amount of time before your blood test.
03
At your blood test appointment
A member of our team will take one or more samples of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. It should only take a few moments, and will be carried out as an outpatient appointment, so you’ll be able to go home immediately afterwards.
04
Your blood test results
Your results will be ready within two days. If they show you have a low cardiovascular risk, they’ll be sent to your GP, who’ll share the results with you.
If your PLAC blood test identifies you as having a medium or high risk, we’ll refer you to one of our cardiology consultants. They’ll discuss your results with you and may recommend a medication to lower your cholesterol, or lifestyle changes.
If you need to make lifestyle changes, you’ll be fully supported by our multidisciplinary team, which includes physiotherapists and dietitians. They’ll create a programme that’s personalised to you, with exercise plans and dietary advice to minimise your risk of cardiovascular disease.
05
Follow up appointment
If required, we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment with your consultant or a member of our multidisciplinary team to check on your progress.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
PLAC blood test FAQs
The risk factors for cardiovascular disease include the following health conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- A family history of heart disease or stroke in a parent or sibling
Your risk is also increased if the following lifestyle factors apply:
- You’re a smoker
- You’re physically inactive
- You eat a diet that’s high in fat and refined sugar
- You drink more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week
A PLAC test can be useful if you’re worried about your cardiovascular health. Your GP or consultant will be able to advise if the PLAC test is the right test for you.
Your GP or consultant will explain how the test works and what the results mean for you. The results are given in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). The normal range for Lp-PLA2 is less than 200ng/mL.
Plaque is the gradual build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in and on the walls of your arteries. This build-up causes your arteries to harden. When this happens, it’s called atherosclerosis.
The build-up of plaque can narrow the arteries, reducing or sometimes blocking blood flow to the organs and tissues. This can potentially lead to a heart attack, stroke or other serious health problems, depending on the organ that is affected.
A PLAC blood test helps identify early warning signs of the risk of heart disease or stroke, allowing you to make changes to your lifestyle and help reduce your risk, before you have a heart attack or stroke.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.