A linear regression analysis showed that Lp-PLA2 values > 138 μg/L negatively correlated to FMD [b = − 0.45 (95% CI: − 0.79 – -0.11), P = 0.01] and AIx values [b = 1.81 (95% CI: 0.57–3.05), P < 0.001] independently of cofounders like gender, age, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking habits, family history of CAD, history of previous myocardial infarction, serum glucose, circulating lipid levels, duration of CAD, antihypertensive medication, antidiabetic drugs, statin therapy and treatment with β-blockers. The gene discussed is PLA2G7; the disease is metabolic syndrome.