About Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)
Apolipoprotein B is a primary protein component of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which are responsible for carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream. It serves as a ligand for LDL receptors, facilitating the removal of LDL particles from the bloodstream, and is thus critical in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
40.0 - 80.0 mg/dL
Elite Value
60.0 mg/dL
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes, often linked to hyperlipidemia.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hypobetalipoproteinemia, potentially leading to malabsorption issues and nutrient deficiencies.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, and the risk of cardiovascular disease symptoms.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, irritability, memory issues, and poor circulation symptoms.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Sniderman, A. D., Thanassoulis, G., Glavinovic, T., Navar, A. M., Pencina, M., & Catapano, A. L. (2019). Apolipoprotein B Particles and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review. JAMA Cardiology, 4(12), 1287–1295.
- Arnett, D. K., Blumenthal, R. S., Albert, M. A., Buroker, A. B., Goldberger, Z. D., Hahn, E. J., ... & Ziaeian, B. (2019). 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 140(11), e596–e646.
- Sniderman, A. D., Toth, P. P., Thanassoulis, G., Furberg, C. D., Blaha, M. J., & Ballantyne, C. M. (2018). An Evidence-Based Analysis of the National Lipid Association Recommendations Concerning Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B Targets for Secondary Prevention. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 12(6), 1293–1300.
- Pencina, M. J., D'Agostino, R. B., Massaro, J. M., & Sniderman, A. D. (2019). Lipoprotein Particle Number and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Framingham Offspring Study. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 26(5), 519–528.
- Mach, F., Baigent, C., Catapano, A. L., Koskinas, K. C., Casula, M., Badimon, L., ... & Piepoli, M. F. (2020). 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias: Lipid Modification to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk. European Heart Journal, 41(1), 111–188.