Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Test
Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) check is a type of examination that is done to help determine the risk of cardiovascular disease. This test is generally done together with other lipid tests, aka lipid profile tests. This test is a lipoprotein analysis that is done to measure blood levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Generally, apolipoprotein B (Apo B) checks are not included in routine examinations. However, Apo-B is recommended for people who have risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease, a history of high cholesterol, and triglycerides. This test is done together with other examinations to find out what causes high lipid levels in a person. This examination is also often done to find out the cause of high triglyceride levels.
Reasons for an Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Test
Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) check is done to find out what causes abnormal lipid levels. Previously, it should be noted that apo B is a protein involved in lipid metabolism. Apo B is a major protein constituent of lipoproteins, such as VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) aka bad cholesterol.
The body needs fat and cholesterol to produce hormones and keep body cells healthy. However, excessive levels of bad cholesterol in the body can trigger various diseases, from heart disease to stroke.
Apo B carries various lipoproteins, known as bad cholesterol:
- Lipoproteins, such as chylomicrons.
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- Intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL).
Apo B protein attaches to receptors on body cells, allowing lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, to enter the cells. Once inside, it is broken down, releasing fat and cholesterol into the blood. This bad cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the blood vessels.
In addition to knowing the risk of cardiovascular disease, this examination can also be done to diagnose problems related to genetics. Checking apolipoprotein B (Apo B) can help diagnose genetic problems that cause excess or insufficient production of apo B in the body.
When Should You Get an Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Check?
This examination is actually not included in the category of routine examinations that must be done. However, apolipoprotein B (Apo B) checks are usually done to detect the risk of cardiovascular disease in a person. This examination is recommended for individuals who have a history of heart disease in the family, a history of high cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides.
Increased apo B levels are usually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There are various factors that can cause apo B levels to increase, but this condition is usually caused by a high-fat diet. Abnormal apo B can also be caused by certain medical conditions or diseases and pregnancy.
How to Check Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)?
Apo B examination is done with the help of a special serum or plasma. A person will usually be asked to fast before the test is carried out. This means that they are not allowed to eat or drink (except water) for a specified time limit. Usually, fasting before the apo B test is done for 12 hours before taking a blood sample.
This examination will be carried out by experts who are indeed experienced. There are many benefits that can be obtained from conducting an apo B examination, such as:
- Determine the risk of coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular disorders.
- Monitor cholesterol levels in the blood
- Monitor triglyceride levels.
This examination can also help monitor the effectiveness or success of treatment for high cholesterol.
What Test Results Can Come Out?
Apolipoprotein B test results are considered normal if they are less than 100 mg/dL. If you receive a normal test result, then the amount of lipoprotein you have in your blood is appropriate and your risk of heart disease is low.
If the results are abnormal, then the condition can indicate various things. High Apo B levels ranging above 100 mg/dL are considered high. If the test results show higher than normal levels, then a person has a higher risk of heart disease.
Several underlying conditions can cause high Apo B levels, including:
- Underactive thyroid.
- Kidney disease.
- Diabetes.
- Pregnancy, which causes temporary high Apo B.
Low Apo B levels are when the test results show that a person has lower than normal levels of lipoproteins in the blood. There may also be some underlying conditions that prevent the body from producing lipoproteins or apolipoproteins, for example:
- Reye’s syndrome.
- Overactive thyroid.
- Malnutrition.
- Scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis.
- Serious illness.
- Apolipoprotein B deficiency, a rare genetic condition known as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome.
Where to Get an Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Test?
Apolipoprotein B checks can be done at any health facility, from clinics or community health centers, hospitals, and emergency units (UGD), to health laboratories.