Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 mass level is elevated after transcatheter aortic valve implantation or ballon angioplasty in elderly patients

Objectives: Lp-PLA2 is extensively expressed within areas of the necrotic core of advanced atherosclerotic lesions, and may play a role in promoting plaque instability. We selected a group of elderly subjects that underwent TAVI or balloon angioplasty (BA), including diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. We then hypothesized that Lp-PLA2 mass is increased in the presence of advanced atherosclerosis in the elderly and will further increase with type 2 DM and/or after TAVI or BA.