Science
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Apo B
What is Apo B?
Apolipoprotein B, also known as Apo B, is a protein within the "bad" cholesterol LDL (but also found in VLDL, IDL and LP(a)) and is required for the formation of these particles which are responsible for carrying fat molecules (lipids) including cholesterol from the liver and out to all the body's cells. Through this function, Apo B, along with LDL, is the primary driving force behind plaque formation that causes atherosclerosis and, in the long run, can result in conditions such as stroke and heart attack.
Low levels of Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) indicate better cardiovascular health and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Every single particle circulating in your body that can cause plaque and atherosclerosis contains an Apo B molecule each. This means that by measuring Apo B, you can get a direct indication of the number of circulating atherogenic (arteriosclerotic) particles in your body.
Measuring Apo B can thus help contribute with information about your cardiovascular health and estimated risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In this regard, Apo B can both help identify a potential need for lifestyle changes as well as later monitor and follow the effect of implemented changes.
Low Apo B
Low Apo B levels suggest a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Since Apo B levels are linked to LDL levels, low Apo B levels indicate less LDL activity, i.e. less intensive transport of fat molecules from the liver out to tissues. This means a lower tendency for fatty accumulation in vessels and a lower risk of harmful plaque formation.
High Apo B
High Apo B levels indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
By being a building block in the LDL particle, which is responsible for transporting cholesterol and other fat molecules out of the body, high levels of Apo B (and thus high levels of LDL) will mean a high frequency of fat transport to tissues.
If large amounts of fat molecules circulate in the bloodstream, the risk of plaque formation increases, which in turn gives rise to atherosclerosis.
