Your Arterial Inflammation Marker
MPO is an enzyme released by activated neutrophils (white blood cells) in your artery walls. While hs-CRP measures general inflammation and Lp-PLA2 measures plaque inflammation, MPO specifically indicates that white blood cells are actively attacking your artery lining. It reflects real-time vascular inflammation and plaque destabilization.
What is MPO (Myeloperoxidase)?
MPO is a heme peroxidase released by activated neutrophils and monocytes. It generates reactive oxidant species that modify LDL, damage endothelium, and consume nitric oxide. Independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events. Also used as ANCA target (p-ANCA/MPO-ANCA in vasculitis).
↑ What High MPO (Myeloperoxidase) Means
Active vascular inflammation. White blood cells are attacking arterial walls, destabilizing plaques. Elevated MPO independently predicts cardiovascular events, even when other markers are normal. Also elevated in acute coronary syndrome as a marker of plaque instability.
Common symptoms:
Usually asymptomatic until cardiovascular event · If ACS: chest pain, shortness of breath
↓ What Low MPO (Myeloperoxidase) Means
Favorable—less vascular inflammation.
Common symptoms:
No symptoms—favorable
Why It Matters
When normal:
Identifies active vascular inflammation missed by standard markers
Independent predictor of cardiovascular events
Elevated in acute coronary syndrome (plaque instability)
Complements hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 for comprehensive vascular risk
Risks if abnormal:
High: active arterial inflammation, plaque vulnerability
Oxidizes LDL (creates oxidized LDL)
Consumes nitric oxide (impairs vasodilation)
Predicts events even with normal cholesterol
What Can Cause Abnormal Levels?
Active Vascular Inflammation
50% likelyNeutrophils infiltrating arterial walls release MPO, driving oxidative damage and plaque instability.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
30% likelyMPO rises with plaque rupture and coronary inflammation. Predicts events in chest pain patients.
Smoking
Smoking activates neutrophils and increases MPO release.
Metabolic Syndrome
Insulin resistance promotes vascular inflammation.
Chronic Infections
Periodontitis and other chronic infections activate neutrophils.
What You Can Do
Quit smoking (strongest modifiable trigger)
Impact: Reduces neutrophil activation and MPO \u00B7 Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Mediterranean diet
Impact: Anti-inflammatory dietary pattern \u00B7 Timeline: 4-8 weeks
Regular exercise
Impact: Reduces vascular inflammation \u00B7 Timeline: 4-8 weeks
If lifestyle changes aren't enough:
Omega-3: 2-4g EPA+DHA daily
Impact: Reduces neutrophil activation and MPO release \u00B7 Timeline: 4-8 weeks
Good oral hygiene (periodontitis drives systemic MPO elevation)
Impact: Reducing oral infection lowers vascular inflammation \u00B7 Timeline: Ongoing
Recommended retest: 3-6 months after intervention
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