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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A thorough health check that provides a detailed assessment, specifically tailored to men's health. Includes PSA test.
A thorough health check that provides a detailed assessment, specifically tailored to men's health.
