the PLAC test Detects Your Risk of Sudden Heart Attack and Stroke

[Bill USA]

http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2008/11/Detect-Risk-of-Sudden-Heart-Attack-Stroke/Page-01

A new blood test can accurately identify atherosclerotic plaque that is vulnerable to rupture, and help to stave off fatal cardiac events. By pinpointing individuals who are in imminent danger of an ischemic (no blood flow) event, the innovative PLAC® blood test alerts physicians and patients to the urgent need to implement aggressive protective measures. As the PLAC® test becomes more widely utilized, it promises to dramatically reduce the risk of sudden heart attack and stroke.

When Tim Russert succumbed to a fatal heart attack in June of this year, the world was shocked not only by the loss of an iconic TV news personality, but also by the unexpected nature of his death. Tim Russert had coronary artery disease that was supposedly controlled with medication and exercise. A stress test in late April was unremarkable. The autopsy revealed that cholesterol plaque rupturing in a coronary artery choked off the blood supply through that artery, causing Tim Russert’s fatal heart attack.1

Detecting Vulnerable Plaque

An atherosclerotic plaque, also known as an atheroma, is a deposit of harmful fats, or lipids, on the blood vessel wall. When the plaque ruptures, globules resembling chunks of oatmeal break loose and suddenly clog a blood vessel, causing heart attack or stroke.

Cardiology experts noted the crucial difference between gradual narrowing of arteries, which had been controlled in Russert, versus the sudden, fatal blockage of a main coronary artery by ruptured atherosclerotic plaque on the vessel wall. Because about half of people who have a heart attack have no symptoms before the acute event,1 it is critical that they are recognized and treated before it is too late.
(more)

[Android3.14]

1. Gee, thanks Bill for 8-year-old information

Here's something a little more recent.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm426799.htm

[grasswire]

2. I wonder if Medicare is covering this test.

I just learned about this last week. So I appreciate the article, even though it's from a few years ago.

[silverweb]

3. Good to know about.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]The more people learn, even if it's "old news" for some, the better they can communicate with their doctors regarding their own health concerns.

Thanks for posting this important information.