Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) Blood Work Lab Test

The Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) test is a blood test that measures the level of apolipoprotein B in the blood. Apolipoprotein B is a protein that is a component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol.” Here are a few reasons why getting an Apo-B test may be important:

Evaluation of cardiovascular disease risk: High levels of Apo-B have been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, an Apo-B test can help evaluate a person’s risk of developing these conditions.

Assessment of lipid-lowering therapy: Apo-B levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy, such as statins, which are medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Identification of genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, are characterized by high levels of Apo-B. An Apo-B test can help detect these conditions.

Overall, an Apo-B test can be an important tool in evaluating a person’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease, monitoring the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy, and detecting genetic disorders. If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels or cardiovascular disease risk, speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether an Apo-B test is appropriate for you.