Researchers at Intermountain Health have found that testing for ApoB protein may be more effective than testing for cholesterol in identifying patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The study is presented at the annual scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans.
Checking your HDL and LDL (levels of “good” and “bad” cholesterol) is part of your annual cardiovascular health screening. A new study has found a more accurate method of estimation.
The ApoB protein carries fat molecules, including LDL cholesterol, throughout the body. Therefore, ApoB is “responsible” for atherosclerosis, the deposition of cholesterol plaques on artery walls. The narrowing of the lumen of the arteries leads to the development of many circulatory disorders.
Researchers analyzed patients’ electronic medical records from 2010 to February 2022. They found that ApoB protein levels were positively correlated with “bad” cholesterol levels. In addition, ApoB levels were more predictive for cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with normal LDL levels.
The truth is that some people may have normal LDL levels but have high ApoB levels and therefore an increased risk of more serious atherosclerosis.
ApoB testing is slightly more expensive than LDL testing, so it’s not likely to replace standard screening anytime soon. However, even now it may become a tool for clarifying cardiovascular disease risk in some patient groups.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.