The ApoB [apolipoprotein B] blood test is ordered to help determine an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease development. It is typically ordered as part of a lipid panel, but can be ordered on its own for some individuals. If someone has a family history of high cholesterol or symptoms of heart disease, then this test can help to discover lipid levels that are abnormal so that a treatment plan can be developed. It is especially beneficial when high triglyceride levels are suspected.
ApoB is a protein that is a component of LDL and the new vLDL cholesterol that are known to be risk factors for heart disease development. Protein levels mirror cholesterol numbers and this is how risk factors are measured. It may also be ordered to determine if there may be a genetic cause of too much or too little of this protein.
Some medical providers may also choose to order the ApoB blood test in order to monitor the results of a treatment plan that has already been implemented.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
When levels of ApoB are reported as being abnormal, then this corresponds directly to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease development. This may be because of genetic factors or lifestyle choices or a combination of both. If certain disorders, such as hyperlipidemia, are suspected, then the ApoB blood test can detect this issue in individuals of any age.
Abnormal results may also be reflective of secondary causes that may exist as well. Increased levels of this protein are seen in individuals who have diabetes, certain kidney diseases, and hypthyroidism. Some women may also test positive on this test while pregnant. Because certain medications can also cause increased ApoB levels, such as beta blockers or diuretics, it is important to discuss all current medications and supplements with a medical provider so the results can be correctly interpreted.
These are reflective of abnormally high levels. The ApoB blood test can also have abnormally low levels that are detected as well. The most common cause of this issue is taking estrogen or niacin on a regular basis. Certain statin medications, especially simvastatin, will also cause this result. A severe illness may also cause abnormally low levels of this protein, as can rapid weight loss or chronic malnutrition. Sometimes surgeries have also been known to cause abnormally low levels.
Both low or high levels of ApoB can be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease development. It depends on what the ratio of ApoB is to Apo A-I, which is similar to the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. It is a high ratio that matters more than the actual count discovered during the ApoB blood test.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Sometimes there are elevations of ApoB proteins due to a mutation of the gene that produces the protein. When this mutation occurs, the LDL receptors do not always recognize this presence of this protein or the liver cells may not recognize their existence. When this occurs, it can become very difficult to lower the actual LDL cholesterol numbers someone has and therefore it may accumulate within the circulatory system.
Many medical providers recommend that cholesterol levels be lowered through dietary and exercise changes, even when a statin medication is being prescribed. These activities are also known to have a direct effect on the ApoB results that can be detected. When there are lower levels of ApoB, even after a test that is abnormally high, then an individual’s risks for heart disease are going to be lower.
Most medical providers are not able to offer the ApoB blood test directly. It requires a laboratory with specialized equipment in order for the results to be generated. For this reason, it is not uncommon for test results to take 3-5 business days to come back.
If this test is ordered by itself, then no special preparation is needed for the blood draw to take place. Because it is often ordered as part of a lipid panel, however, a medical provider may require at least 12 hours of fasting before the blood draw takes place. Make sure to ask your medical provider for any specific instructions to follow before the blood draw so that the test results are as accurate as possible.
By knowing the levels of ApoB in the blood, it becomes possible to get a clearer picture of the future risks of heart disease. The link to LDL and vLDL cholesterol has been proven and controlling the “bad” cholesterol levels is known to lower risk factors. Only your medical provider can determine what individual test results mean, however, so discuss this guide and your results at your next appointment so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created if necessary.