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When it comes to heart health, most of us are familiar with the standard cholesterol tests that measure LDL-C, or “bad cholesterol.” These tests have been the cornerstone of cardiovascular risk assessment for years. But recent research is shining a light on a more accurate marker—ApoB, or apolipoprotein B—which could revolutionize how we assess and manage our heart health.
What is ApoB?
ApoB is a protein integral to the metabolism of lipoproteins, which are particles that carry cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. Unlike traditional cholesterol measurements, which focus on the weight of cholesterol within LDL particles, ApoB gives us a direct count of the number of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) particles. This is crucial because the number of these particles is more strongly associated with the risk of developing atherosclerosis—a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to heart disease.
Why is ApoB Testing Important?
- Predictive Value for Cardiovascular Health:
ApoB has emerged as one of the most critical measures for evaluating overall cardiovascular health. High levels of ApoB can indicate a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases because they reflect the actual number of LDL and VLDL particles, which contribute to plaque formation in the arteries. In other words, ApoB provides a clearer picture of your heart disease risk than traditional cholesterol measurements.
2. Superior to Standard Cholesterol Tests:
Traditional LDL-C tests calculate the amount of cholesterol within LDL particles. However, these measurements don’t account for the number of particles themselves. Since each LDL particle has one ApoB protein, measuring ApoB gives a direct count of LDL particles, making it a superior marker for cardiovascular risk. Research has shown that ApoB is more predictive of heart disease risk than the amount of cholesterol within these particles, which could mean the difference between early detection and a missed diagnosis.
3. Better Risk Assessment:
The number of LDL particles is more closely linked to heart disease risks than the cholesterol they carry. By counting these particles, ApoB testing offers a more accurate assessment of your risk for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. This is particularly important for people with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides, who might have discordant levels of LDL-C and ApoB—meaning their traditional cholesterol test could underestimate their risk.
Why You Should Listen to Dr. Ann Marie Navar
In a recent episode of AGE BETTER with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, Dr. Ann Marie Navar, a leading global expert in cholesterol and heart disease prevention, delves into the importance of ApoB testing. Dr. Navar is an Associate Professor of Medicine and preventive cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where her research focuses on preventing heart disease through innovative approaches to cholesterol management.
During the episode, Dr. Navar explains why traditional cholesterol measurements may not give you the full picture of your heart health and discusses the potential benefits of incorporating ApoB testing into routine care. She also highlights the significance of the coronary artery calcium score test, which can further assess plaque buildup in the arteries.
For anyone concerned about their heart health, especially those at risk for cardiovascular disease, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Navar’s insights could help you take a more proactive approach to managing your heart health, ensuring you get the most accurate assessment of your cardiovascular risk.
