Apolipoprotein B

Overview

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein that helps carry fat (like cholesterol) through the blood. It’s found in particles called LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and VLDL, which transport fat to different parts of the body. ApoB is like a shipping label that each of these particles has - one particle carries one ApoB label. When too many of these particles are in your blood, they can stick to the walls of your arteries and form blockages, much like debris clogging a pipe. This can increase the risk of heart diseases, like heart attacks and strokes. Testing for ApoB gives a more accurate picture of heart disease risk than just looking at cholesterol levels, because it tells us how many of these potentially harmful particles are in the blood.

Testing Levels:

• High (1.2 g/L) - High ApoB levels mean there are too many particles in the blood carrying fat, especially LDL ("bad" cholesterol). This increases the risk of clogged arteries, which can lead to heart problems like heart attacks or strokes. Even if you don’t feel any symptoms, high ApoB suggests your heart might be at risk. In this case, it’s important to make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, exercising, and possibly taking medications to lower the risk.
  
  
• Mid - Normal ApoB levels mean the number of particles carrying fat in your blood is balanced, which lowers the risk of heart disease. This indicates that your body is managing fat properly, and your arteries are less likely to get clogged. To keep these levels healthy, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
  
  If ApoB levels are close to the high end of normal, it’s a warning sign that the risk of heart disease is starting to increase. It’s a good time to act by eating heart-healthy foods, staying active, and keeping an eye on your weight. Making these changes now can help prevent the development of heart problems in the future.
  
  If ApoB levels are near the low end of normal, that’s generally a good thing. It suggests fewer particles are carrying fat around your body, meaning a lower risk of heart problems. However, if ApoB is unusually low and you feel tired or lose weight unexpectedly, it could signal other health issues, like problems absorbing nutrients or thyroid disorders.
  
  
• Low (0.6 g/L) - Very low ApoB levels could indicate a rare genetic condition where the body doesn't produce enough of the particles that carry fat. While low levels might sound good because there’s less fat in the blood, it can cause problems like difficulty absorbing essential vitamins (A, D, E, and K). This can lead to symptoms like digestive problems, poor vision, and nerve issues. A doctor may need to investigate and offer treatment to correct this.

Why We Test Apolipoprotein B

Testing ApoB is important because it gives a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease than just looking at cholesterol levels. Even if your cholesterol seems normal, high ApoB means there are many particles in your blood that could clog your arteries and lead to heart problems. Testing helps you and your doctor take early steps to prevent heart attacks or strokes, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease or conditions like diabetes.

What Affects It

Many things can influence ApoB levels. Eating unhealthy fats (like those in fried or processed foods) can raise ApoB. On the other hand, exercise can lower it. Your genes also play a big part - some people naturally have higher ApoB levels because of inherited conditions. Being overweight, especially around the belly, can also raise ApoB. Other factors like diabetes, thyroid problems, and kidney disease can affect ApoB too. Medications, like birth control pills, steroids, or certain heart drugs, might increase ApoB, while cholesterol-lowering medicines like statins can reduce it. Smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol can make ApoB levels go up as well.

How to Improve

If high or close to high: To lower ApoB, focus on eating healthier (less saturated fats and processed foods), adding more fibre-rich foods (like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains), exercising regularly, and losing any excess weight. Quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol can also help. Sometimes, medications like statins may be needed to bring ApoB down. If low or close to low: Low ApoB is usually good, but if it’s very low and causing issues like nutrient absorption problems, a doctor may recommend adjusting your diet or treating underlying conditions, like thyroid problems, to bring levels back to normal.

Common Name: Apolipoprotein B