Apolipoprotein A1 And B

A lipoprotein test helps determine an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A lipoprotein is a low-density bodily substance responsible for transporting cholesterol in your blood. Since fat molecules are hardly soluble in the blood, a lipoprotein is required to carry it to where it can be metabolised. However, an excess of lipoprotein in the blood indicates plaque build-up and may put your heart at risk.

ApoAB test measures the amount of lipoprotein A1 and B in the blood. It helps analyse the amount of bad cholesterol in your body. A cholesterol test thus helps warn you about the severity of your condition.

Although simple lifestyle changes may help you recover from high levels of fat molecules, it’s not a permanent solution. An ignorance of increasing levels of bad cholesterol may make you highly vulnerable to a stroke or significant heart disease. In such a scenario, an apolipoprotein test allows you to manage the condition on time and prevent the onset of severe symptoms.

Apollo 24|7 has a complete panel for the ApoAB test that can be ordered conveniently from home.

The test looks for a fluctuation in three parameters:

• Apolipoprotein A: forming the protein component of low-density lipoproteins.
• Apolipoprotein B: associated with high-density lipoprotein.
• Ratio of B/A1: indicates the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the patient.

Ideally, the amount of ApoB should be lower and ApoA1 should be higher to maintain the cholesterol levels. A lack of this balance alters the ratio which in turn affects the health of your heart. Thus, the higher the B/A1 ratio, the more vulnerable you are to developing a severe cardiovascular ailment.

Some reasons for opting for an apolipoprotein test include:

• Prolonged case of diabetes
• An underactive thyroid gland
• Reduction in estrogen levels
• Renal failure
• High levels of cholesterol in the blood
• Severe swelling in kidneys
• Family history of heart diseases
• One can also go for a lipoprotein test to:
• Monitor the efficacy of the treatment
• Update the diagnosis of heart problems
• Test the levels of low-density lipids in the blood
• Follow up on the effect of hormonal therapy
• Check for the improvement in renal function

If you are undergoing a lipid treatment, a lipoprotein test will help you understand its effectiveness. Many doctors also suggest an ApoAB test to diagnose a genetic problem. The genetic issue may be related to low levels of apolipoprotein B and may affect the transportation of low-density lipid towards the cell.

In the case of lipoprotein A, the lipoprotein test analyses the presence of Tangier or fish-eye disease. This is caused as a result of Apo A-1 deficiency, which is not a common problem.

Even a pregnant woman can undergo a lipoprotein test to ensure she is healthy. This is because the accumulation of bad cholesterols can give rise to cardiovascular diseases, which could be dangerous during pregnancy when a woman is already putting on weight, and it could also affect the delivery of the child. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ranga Reddy B V A, Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.