Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test
Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test
Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test
Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test
Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer

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What are
apolipoproteins?

Apolipoproteins are proteins that help carry fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, around your body for use in your tissues and cells.

There are various forms of apolipoproteins, and they play a vital role in balancing the levels of good and bad cholesterol in your body. Apolipoprotein A1 (or apoA1) forms part of good (HDL) cholesterol and helps remove excess cholesterol from your body. In contrast, apolipoprotein B (or apoB) combines with fats to form bad (non-HDL) cholesterol and encourages this to be taken up by your cells.

Too much bad cholesterol can cause fatty deposits (plaques) to form in your arteries. This process is known as atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries narrow, reducing blood flow, and increasing your risk of heart disease or stroke.

What can I learn from an
apolipoprotein blood test?

By measuring the levels of apolipoproteins in your blood, our test can give you a clearer picture of your risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. 

Traditionally, bad cholesterol levels have been used to assess heart disease risk. However, standard cholesterol tests may miss the build-up of small, dense particles of bad cholesterol in your blood. And as these particles are thought to significantly add to your heart disease risk, conventional cholesterol tests could underestimate your risk. 

As each bad cholesterol particle, regardless of size or density, carries one apoB molecule, an apoB check can better reflect the number of potentially damaging particles in your blood. Coupling your apoB level with your protective apoA1 level in a ratio can also help determine your risk of heart disease. 

Our test also checks standard markers for heart disease risk, including your levels of bad cholesterol. And if your apoB level is high, you will usually have similarly high levels of bad cholesterol. However, research has shown that if cholesterol and apoB results don’t agree with each other, apoB is the more accurate of the two at estimating your heart disease risk.

What causes a high
apoB blood test result?

There are many reasons why your apoB level might be raised. These include lifestyle factors, such as a high-fat diet, being overweight, and a leading a sedentary lifestyle. 

High levels of apoB can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as diabetes, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

Other reasons include being pregnant, which can temporarily cause a high apoB level, and some genetic disorders. The use of drugs like beta blockers and diuretics can also affect your apoB level.

What's Included?

Cholesterol status
Select profile for more information
Total cholesterol Cholesterol is an essential fat (lipid) in the body. Although it has a bad reputation it has some important functions, including building cell membranes and producing a number of essential hormones including testosterone and oestradiol. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and also comes from the food we eat. Although there are a number of different types of cholesterol, the two main components of total cholesterol are HDL (high density lipoprotein) which is protective against heart disease and LDL (low density lipoprotein) which, in high levels, can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Your total cholesterol result on its own is of limited value in understanding your risk of heart disease; high levels of HDL cholesterol can cause a raised total cholesterol result but may actually be protective against heart disease. Equally, you can have a normal total cholesterol level but have low levels of protective HDL cholesterol. The most important factors are how much HDL and LDL cholesterol you have, and what proportion of your total cholesterol is made up of protective HDL cholesterol. We give a detailed breakdown of the components of your total cholesterol in the rest of this cholesterol profile.
LDL cholesterol LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is a molecule made of lipids and proteins which transports cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats to various tissues throughout the body. Too much LDL cholesterol, commonly called 'bad cholesterol', can cause fatty deposits to accumulate inside artery walls, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Non - HDL cholesterol Your total cholesterol is broken down into 2 main components; HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad). There are more types of harmful cholesterol in your blood than just LDL - these include VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins which are thought to be even more harmful than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting your HDL cholesterol value from your total cholesterol. It therefore includes all the non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. As such, it is considered to be a better marker for cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The recommended level of non-HDL cholesterol is below 4 mmol/L.
HDL cholesterol HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is a molecule in the body which removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body in bile. HDL cholesterol is commonly known as 'good cholesterol'.
Total cholesterol : HDL The cholesterol/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol level. It is used as a measure of cardiovascular risk because it gives a good insight into the proportion of your total cholesterol which is good (i.e. high-density lipoprotein HDL). Heart disease risk tools (such as QRisk) use the cholesterol/HDL ratio to calculate your risk of having a heart attack.
Triglycerides Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulate in the blood. After you eat, your body converts excess calories (whether from fat or carbohydrates) into triglycerides which are then transported to cells to be stored as fat. Your body then releases triglycerides when required for energy.
Apolipoprotein A1 Apolipoprotein A1, or ApoA1 is a major protein that is a component of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol. It helps clear cholesterol from the blood by removing cholesterol from organs and tissues to be destroyed by the liver.
Apolipoprotein B Apolipoprotein B, or ApoB is the primary apolipoprotein of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or bad cholesterol). It is responsible for carrying cholesterol to tissues.
Apo B : apo A ratio The apoB/apoA ratio (apo-ratio) looks at how much unhealthy Apolipoprotein B is within the blood, and divides this by how much protective Apolipoprotein A-I is present. A low number (typically below 1) is considered optimal, with results higher than this suggesting an increase in the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke in the future.

How to prepare
for your test

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not eat for 12 hours prior to your test. Drink plenty of water, if you take medication then you are allowed to take it as you would normally.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal apoB blood test result?
The normal range for apoB varies depending on the ranges used by the lab processing your results, but generally, it’s <1 g/L for apolipoprotein B.
What happens if my apoB test result is high?

Having a high apoB level doesn’t cause any obvious symptoms. Most people with high apoB levels don’t find out they have it until they develop a serious health condition, such as a heart attack or stroke.

As you can have a high apoB level without knowing, you may wish to monitor your level or repeat your apolipoprotein test following lifestyle changes. Alternatively, your doctor may advise monitoring your cholesterol levels.
What can I do to lower my apoB level?

Making changes to your lifestyle such as taking regular exercise and following a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help to lower your apoB level. And this can help decrease your risk of heart disease.

Controlling any underlying medical conditions that could contribute to a raised apoB level, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can also help to get your level into the normal range.

In some cases, you may be prescribed medication. Your GP will be able to offer advice and guidance if your apoB level is outside the normal range.
What does a low apoB test result mean?

A low apoB test result could be due to an underlying health condition such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or advanced liver disease. Malnutrition, severe illness, or medications (like thyroxine or statins) can also contribute to lower levels of apoB. Very rarely, genetic conditions, such as apolipoprotein B deficiency or Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, may cause abnormally low levels of apoB.
What can I learn from my apoB:apoA1 ratio?
The apoB:apoA1 ratio gives a good indication of the balance of good and bad cholesterol in your blood. It measures how much unhealthy apoB is in your blood and divides this by your protective apoA1 level. A low number (typically, below 1) is considered optimal, with a higher result suggesting an increase in your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Can I take an apoB test at home?
Yes, you can take an apoB test at home with our finger-prick blood test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including clear instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your sample.
How can I test my apoB level at home?
Our apoB home test includes a full lab analysis of your blood sample and a doctor’s advice to help you take action to improve your health and wellbeing. You can access your results on your MyMedichecks dashboard, alongside a doctor’s comments and any next steps.