Cardiolipin Test - IgA

The cardiolipin antibody test measures the antibodies against cardiolipin present in the blood. The cardiolipin IgA test is done to measure the IgA subclass of cardiolipin antibodies. The result of the cardiolipin antibody test also helps in the evaluation of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). The APS is an auto-immune disorder. Here, the immune system mistakenly destroys its body cells by making antibodies against them. The anticardiolipin is mostly detected with other antibodies such as Beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody and Lupus anticoagulants. The human body is made up of cells and every cell is surrounded by a cell membrane. The membrane has the substance cardiolipin in it. They are found in a structure called mitochondria, which generates energy for the cell. Cardiolipin helps in the blood clotting process. In certain conditions, our body starts producing antibodies against these cardiolipins. The antibodies are known as anticardiolipin. They are mainly of 3 types, IgA, IgM and IgG. The cardiolipin antibodies affect the process of blood clot formation. This results in an increased risk of abnormal and frequent blood clots in the arteries and veins. The abnormal blood clots, through the blood circulation, can be carried to the lungs, heart, kidney or brain. It can lead to stroke, heart attacks, damage to lungs (pulmonary embolisms), deep veins of legs (deep vein thrombosis) and recurrent miscarriages. Symptoms that arise because of cardiolipin antibodies vary depending on the organ affected by the blood clots. Major symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, migraine, persistent headache, heart attack, frequent unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages and stillbirth. The cardiolipin antibodies are usually associated with infections like syphilis, HIV, low platelet count, antiphospholipid syndrome and auto-immune diseases like Lupus Erythematosus. As per studies, the prevalence of anticardiolipin syndrome varies in different geographical regions. It is affected by ethnic differences and genetics. It is more common in the African region than in the Asia and Indian subcontinent. These antibodies can affect both men and women, but it is most commonly seen in women and older adults.