Hello, Dr. Vinny here. Heart disease is still the number one cause of death worldwide. When I'm checking my patients for heart disease risk, one important thing I look at is Apolipoprotein B (ApoB).
ApoB levels being too high is a concern. Ideally, we want ApoB to be less than 70. The regular test your doctor might do includes total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. But here's the thing: while LDL cholesterol is usually the main focus for preventing heart disease, ApoB is actually a better indicator of the risk.
If your doctor isn't checking ApoB, that's not good, especially if you want to know your heart disease risk. You might have normal cholesterol levels but still be at risk if your ApoB is high.
In 2019, experts said that ApoB is a better indicator of heart disease risk than LDL cholesterol.
A quick overview: ApoB is a protein in LDL that helps transport fat and cholesterol in your body. It's a big deal because lipoproteins with ApoB, like bad cholesterol, can go into your artery walls, which is not good.
ApoB is becoming crucial for understanding heart disease. It's better at predicting risk than the regular cholesterol test. These ApoB particles can lead to plaque in your arteries, making you more likely to have heart disease or a stroke.
Counting ApoB is a better way to know your heart risk because it shows the particles causing plaque buildup. High ApoB can make you live a shorter life, increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
How to lower ApoB:
1. Lose weight
2. Switch to healthier fats (like avocados, walnuts, and salmon)
3. Eat soluble fibers (found in apples, oats, berries, and more)
4. Include phytosterols (nuts and seeds)
5. Avoid high fructose corn syrup and trans fats
6. Choose a diet like the Mediterranean Diet, focusing on plant-based foods
7. Get enough Omega-3 fatty acids
Your Partner in Health,
Dr. Vinny
Questions? Call PIH at 609.512.1468 for more information