NEWS

Is apoB More Important to Measure than Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis.
High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis.

PIXOLOGICSTUDIO / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

  • Plaque in the arteries from excess cholesterol can cause heart attacks and strokes, but the buildups often remain undiscovered until they're extensive and advanced.
  • The protein apoB can help predict one's heart disease risk more accurately than a standard lipid panel, which measures cholesterols and triglycerides.
  • Currently, apoB testing isn't covered by insurance, but experts say it's inexpensive to add on the test during your routine screening.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—also known as the “bad” cholesterol—is often used as an indicator of heart disease and stroke risks. But some emerging evidence suggests that a protein named apolipoprotein b (apoB) is an even more accurate marker that can identify potential high-risk patients.

apoB is a major structural protein found in LDL, and it helps to transport fat and cholesterol throughout the body. Lipoproteins that contain apoB, such as bad cholesterol, are particularly dangerous because they can penetrate the walls of arteries.

These apoB particles can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to Nicole Harkin, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and the founder of Whole Heart Cardiology.

“When we measure apoB, we’re actually counting all of these particles that cause plaque buildup, and this is a much more accurate way of determining cardiovascular risk due to cholesterol,” Harkin told Verywell.

Furthermore, apoB-containing lipoproteins inside the artery walls can attract immune cells, causing further damage, said Kevin Jon Williams, MD, a professor of cardiovascular sciences and medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia.

“Dead cells, cholesterol deposits, and cells of the immune system accumulate in the plaque. This plaque can become weakened and erode or rupture, causing a heart attack or stroke,” Williams said.

Why Might apoB Be a Better Predictor of Heart Disease Risk?

A standard lipid panel generally includes four things: total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The cholesterol carried in plasma is a mix of other lipoproteins, many of which do not have an association with heart disease.

While LDL levels can indicate heart disease risks, they’re not always consistent because they can vary in size and density. But every LDL particle carries exactly one molecule of apoB, making apoB a more accurate predictor of heart disease risks.

“Larger LDL particles carry more cholesterol but have a harder time getting into the arterial wall and getting stuck. Smaller LDL particles each carry less cholesterol but have an easier time getting into the artery wall and staying there. So the harm from each LDL particle—big or small—is about the same,” Williams said.

Should You Test for ApoB Then?

While apoB is not included in a standard lipid panel test, Williams said it’s a good idea to have your apoB levels measured at least once to see if it’s consistent with your cholesterol levels, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.

Harkin added that individuals with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, elevated triglycerides, or metabolic syndrome are particularly at risk for heart disease, and they should be more concerned about their apoB levels.

“While it’s not covered by insurance, it’s inexpensive to add on, so it’s not something that should be out of reach for most people,” Harkin said.

LDL cholesterol is still a “very good marker” for heart disease risk, though, according to Harkin.

“We have decades of literature showing you can lower risk if you lower LDL. apoB is a more precise measure, which may allow us to better optimize risk assessment and management due to elevated cholesterol. We’re starting to build up that body of evidence,” Harkin said.

What This Means For You

Apolipoprotein b (apoB) might be a more accurate predictor of heart disease and stroke risks than lipid panel. While testing for apoB isn't a standard routine practice now, experts say you can ask for the test if you're at higher risk of heart disease.

2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Lorey MB, Öörni K, Kovanen PT. Updated lipoproteins induce arterial wall inflammation during atherogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:841545. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.841545

  2. Behbodikhah J, Ahmed S, Elyasi A, et al. Apolipoprotein B and cardiovascular disease: biomarker and potential therapeutic targetMetabolites. 2021;11(10):690. doi:10.3390/metabo11100690

By Cyra-Lea Drummond, BSN, RN
 Cyra-Lea, BSN, RN, is a writer and nurse specializing in heart health and cardiac care.