Information about Apolipoprotein B Heart Health Marker
Apo B is a protein involved in lipid (fat) metabolism. Concentrations of Apo B tend to mirror those of LDL cholesterol. Many researchers now consider the ratio of Apo A1 to Apo B a more reliable predictor of cardiovascular disease than standard cholesterol analyses.
Why test Apo B?
Testing apolipoprotein B (Apo B) 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 B test can provide valuable insights. Additionally, monitoring Apo B levels allows you to track changes in your blood values as you make lifestyle adjustments, take supplements, or undergo treatments, ensuring you stay on top of your cardiovascular health.
What do the results mean?
An increased ratio of Apo B to Apo A1 may indicate a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
What causes low Apo B?
A number of factors can cause low Apo B. Conditions that affect production of lipoproteins, their synthesis, and or packaging in the liver can decrease Apo B. Secondary causes include medications like estrogen (in post-menopausal women), lovastatin, simvastatin, niacin, and thyroxine, and health-related factors such as hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, surgery, malnutrition, and weight loss.
Symptoms of low Apo B
Low levels of apolipoprotein B (Apo B) are uncommon and usually don't cause specific symptoms by themselves. However, they can be linked to certain health conditions that lead to symptoms like persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, poor nutrient absorption, weight loss, malnutrition, frequent diarrhea, and growth issues in children. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes high Apo B?
Anything that leads to inflammation in the blood vessels affects Apo B. Causes include dietary factors, such as a diet higher in saturated fats, pregnancy, overconsumption of sugars, decreased clearing of LDL from the blood, health conditions like insulin resistance, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and medication use. Genetic disorders can directly cause abnormal Apo B levels.
The Apo A1: Apo B ratio is considered one of the most accurate ways to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease and can predict the risk of a heart attack no matter your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Symptoms of high Apo B
The Apo B test is used with other lipid tests to evaluate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). New research suggests that the ratio of Apo A1 to Apo B is a reliable predictor of CVD. Values that are slightly outside the reference range can still be normal. Approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range. Genetic factors can elevate Apolipoprotein B.
Preparation for the blood test
Avoid fatty foods and alcohol the day before the test.
On the day of the test
Always take your ID with you when going to take a test. Arrive early and sit down quietly for 15 minutes before taking this test.