When it comes to heart health, most people are familiar with cholesterol testing. But there’s another critical marker that deserves attention: Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Understanding ApoB and its implications can provide deeper insights into cardiovascular risk and help guide a proactive approach to heart health.
What is Apolipoprotein B?
ApoB is a protein found on the surface of certain lipoproteins that carry cholesterol, triglycerides, fat soluble vitamins and CoQ10 through the bloodstream. If you think of LDL like a baseball, Apo B is the stitching of the baseball. It is a major structural protein for:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
- Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)
- Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein (IDL): A transition state between VLDL and LDL.
Each of these lipoprotein particles contains a single ApoB molecule. Elevated levels of ApoB correlate with a higher risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
ApoA is the stitching of the HDL “baseball”.
How is ApoB Measured?
ApoB is measured through a simple blood test, often alongside a lipid panel. This test provides a more accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk than traditional LDL cholesterol levels because it accounts for the number of LDL particles rather than just the amount of cholesterol they carry.
For example:
- Someone with low LDL cholesterol but high ApoB levels may still have a significant cardiovascular risk due to small, dense LDL particles that are more prone to oxidation and inflammation.
- Conversely, someone with high LDL cholesterol but normal ApoB may have a lower risk.
Optimal ApoB Levels:
- Below 80 mg/dL for individuals with existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
- Below 100 mg/dL for individuals without significant risk factors.
Some people have issues with genetically abnormal ApoB proteins and/ or the docking of ApoB proteins on liver receptors that clear LDL particles.
Risks Associated with Elevated ApoB
High ApoB levels increase the likelihood of developing:
- Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaques in arterial walls.
- Heart Attack and Stroke: Due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to extremities.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Associated with high triglycerides and insulin resistance.
The higher the ApoB concentration, the greater the number of particles that can penetrate arterial walls, causing inflammation and plaque formation.
Why Pharma is Not the Answer
Pharmaceutical approaches to lower ApoB typically involve statins or PCSK9 inhibitors, but they are not a good strategy. Here’s why:
- Statin Limitations:
- They don’t meaningfully lower risk
- They have serious side effects
- They lead to a false sense of security
- PCSK9 Inhibitors:
- Not proven to lower risk as a standalone treatment
- Long-term safety is still under investigation.
Natural Strategies to Improve ApoB Levels
Fortunately, addressing ApoB naturally is both effective and sustainable. We use the 100 Year Heart Method including:
Thrival Nutrition
Thrival Lifestyle
Thrival Mindset
Thrival Supplements and BioHacking
Need Some Help?
For a supplement approach to lowering Apo B while reducing oxidative damage of the Apo B containing particle, try OptiLipid.
Got questions? Schedule a free discovery call HERE.
