Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum or plasma)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 5–7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early cardiovascular risk detection — identifies inflammation before symptoms appear
- Complements standard lipid panels — adds prognostic value beyond cholesterol testing
- Fast, confidential results — get insights within days without a doctor's visit
- Actionable health data — guides lifestyle changes and preventive care decisions
- Convenient walk-in access — order directly online then schedule your appointment
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, or family history
- Anyone seeking proactive heart health monitoring
- People experiencing chest pain or unexplained cardiac symptoms
- Those monitoring chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the heart
- Health-conscious consumers wanting a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select your test and complete checkout securely
- Visit a lab — Visit any partnering lab location for a quick blood draw
- Get results — Access confidential results in your online account within 5–7 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, an inflammatory enzyme linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
Do I need to fast before the test? No, fasting is not required unless your testing provider specifies it.
Can elevated MPO predict heart attacks? Elevated MPO levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk and greater vulnerability to plaque rupture.
Is this test a replacement for traditional cardiac tests? No, it complements tests like ECG and lipid panels but should not be used alone for diagnosis.
How quickly will I receive results? Typically, within 5–7 business days after your sample is collected.
Should I discuss my results with a doctor? Yes, review findings with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive risk assessment and guidance.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Myeloperoxidase (MPO) Blood Test measures levels of MPO, an inflammatory enzyme produced by white blood cells that promotes oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Elevated MPO levels indicate inflammation in blood vessels and are strongly associated with coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, and major adverse cardiovascular events (Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2023). This test provides prognostic information about vascular inflammation, potentially signaling early signs of vulnerable plaque that could rupture and cause heart attacks. It serves as a valuable tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in both primary and secondary prevention settings.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or family history of heart disease. It benefits those experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue that may indicate cardiac issues. People seeking proactive heart health monitoring, even without symptoms, can gain insights into underlying inflammatory processes (American Heart Association 2023). The test is also useful for monitoring chronic inflammatory conditions and assessing response to lifestyle modifications or therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk.
When should I order a Myeloperoxidase (MPO) Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you have multiple cardiovascular risk factors or a family history of early heart disease. Order when experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, back or arm pain, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue. It's appropriate for baseline risk assessment in asymptomatic individuals seeking comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation. The test is valuable when standard lipid panels show low-risk results but clinical suspicion remains, as elevated MPO can indicate hidden cardiovascular vulnerability (Quest Diagnostics 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
- Normal/Low MPO – Lower cardiovascular inflammation and risk; continue heart-healthy lifestyle and routine monitoring
- Moderate MPO – Increased vascular inflammation present; discuss prevention strategies with healthcare provider
- Elevated MPO – Significant cardiovascular risk with likely vulnerable plaque; comprehensive cardiac evaluation and aggressive risk reduction needed
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. Inform the lab about all medications and supplements you're taking, as some may influence inflammatory markers. Maintain your normal diet and activities unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Arrive well-hydrated to facilitate blood collection. If you have concerns about medications affecting results, consult your doctor before testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial cardiovascular risk screening – One-time baseline test
- Moderate cardiovascular risk factors – Every 1–2 years
- High cardiovascular risk or elevated results – Every 6–12 months
- Monitoring treatment response – As recommended by healthcare provider
- After lifestyle/medication changes – 3–6 months post-intervention
Testing frequency should be individualized based on your overall cardiovascular risk profile, presence of symptoms, and response to interventions. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Why early detection matters
Cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately one in three deaths globally, with inflammation playing a central role in disease development (WHO 2023). MPO elevation correlates with increased mortality and major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2023). Early detection through MPO testing enables timely preventive interventions that can reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Identifying vascular inflammation before symptoms appear provides an opportunity to aggressively modify risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, or both. Proactive monitoring empowers you to take control of your heart health and potentially prevent serious cardiovascular events before they occur.
Related tests you may consider
Lipid Panel — Comprehensive cholesterol and triglyceride assessment for metabolic risk
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) — Another inflammatory marker complementing MPO for cardiovascular risk
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) — Provides context for MPO results by measuring liver and kidney function involved in inflammation regulation and enzyme clearance.
