What is Apolipoprotein (Apo) A1?
Apo A1 is a protein involved in lipid (fat) metabolism. It is the main protein component in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, higher levels of which seem to have health benefits in healthy individuals.Why test Apolipoprotein (Apo) A1?
Testing apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) is important for several reasons. It helps you discover your risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in time to take preventive action. If your lifestyle, personal, or family history suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular disease—such as chronic inflammation, elevated triglycerides, and high blood sugar—an Apo A1 test can provide valuable insights. Additionally, monitoring Apo A1 levels allows you to track changes in your blood values as you make lifestyle adjustments, take supplements, or undergo treatments, helping you to stay on top of your cardiovascular health.
What causes low Apo A1 levels?
Low levels of Apo A1 are linked to low HDL ("good" cholesterol) and poor cholesterol clearance, increasing cardiovascular disease risk, especially when combined with high Apo B. A higher Apo A1 level is protective against heart disease. The Apo A1 to Apo B ratio predicts cardiovascular risk and can indicate heart attack risk regardless of cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Low Apo A1 can result from conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, certain medications, or lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet. Genetic factors can also cause low Apo A1 and HDL levels, leading to abnormal lipid levels and accelerated atherosclerosis. Other factors that may decrease Apo A1 include chronic kidney disease, certain drugs (androgens, beta-blockers, diuretics, and progestins), smoking, untreated diabetes, and obesity.
Symptoms of low Apo A1
Low levels of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) can lead to various health issues due to its role in managing cholesterol and heart health. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, often resulting in higher "bad" cholesterol (LDL). This can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes and contribute to the buildup of plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis). If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
High values may reduce the risk of heart and artery disease. The following may increase Apo A1: Genetic factors, physical activity, and hormones, moderate alcohol consumption, medications like carbamazepine, estrogens, ethanol, lovastatin, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenobarbital, pravastatin, and simvastatin, physical activity, pregnancy, weight loss, statins.
Symptoms of high Apo A1
High levels of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) are generally considered beneficial, as Apo A1 is a key component of HDL ("good") cholesterol and helps protect against heart disease. Therefore, high Apo A1 levels typically do not cause negative symptoms and are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular issues. Consult a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your cholesterol levels or overall heart health.
More Information
Values that are slightly outside the reference range can be normal. Approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
Preparation for your blood test
Avoid fatty foods and alcohol the day before the test.
On the day of the test
Always take ID. with you when going to take a test. Arrive in good time and sit quietly for 15 minutes before the test.