Heart & lipids
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Also known as: ApoB, apolipoprotein B-100
What it is
ApoB is a protein carried on the surface of the lipoprotein particles that deposit cholesterol in artery walls (LDL, VLDL, Lp(a) and others). There is exactly one ApoB molecule per particle, so an ApoB measurement reflects the total number of these particles in your blood.
Why it matters
Because risk tracks with the number of particles that can enter the artery wall, many lipid specialists regard ApoB as a more direct marker of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol alone - particularly when the two disagree. It is increasingly used to refine risk beyond a standard lipid panel.
What “optimal” looks like
Generally, lower is better, and “optimal” ranges sit below the usual population cut-offs. Your clinician interprets ApoB alongside your overall cardiovascular risk, not as a number in isolation.
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Related
See your own Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
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