Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): The Heart Health Metric You Need to Know
For many, the language of heart health is peppered with familiar phrases: LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure. Yet, there’s another player on the field that often goes unnoticed but can be a crucial factor in our journey towards a healthy heart and a long life. Much like the under-the-radar Lp(a), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a lesser-known yet pivotal metric.
What is ApoB?
ApoB, although tiny, plays a big role in heart disease risk. Most of the ApoB-containing particles are small enough to nestle into your blood vessel walls, triggering inflammation and leading to plaque build-up – the central character in the story of cardiovascular disease. More particles spell higher risk of heart conditions.
Recent studies have given ApoB the spotlight it deserves. For instance, a study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity utilized Mendelian randomization, a method to assess the genetic influence of ApoB on health outcomes such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, as well as longevity.The findings? Higher ApoB levels tend to shorten lifespan and increase the risk of heart-related conditions. The study emphasized ApoB as a key factor affecting lifespan, even more so than LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Just like smoking lights up the risk of lung cancer, high ApoB levels kindle the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How to Check Your ApoB Levels?
Our traditional way of assessing heart health risk mostly considers LDL cholesterol. However, this might overlook a potential threat if you have normal LDL but high ApoB levels. Conversely, high LDL with normal ApoB could lead to an exaggerated risk assessment.
Therefore, adding ApoB to your standard lipid panel is like adding an extra layer of safety.
Despite its importance, ApoB testing is not commonly conducted. To ensure you’re proactive about your heart health, you can opt for paid testing through services like Healthspan Labs, which offer a comprehensive analysis of your blood lipids and potential risk factors.
“Just like smoking lights up the risk of lung cancer, high ApoB levels kindle the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Winning Over ApoB
Knowing your ApoB level is your first checkpoint. But what if the levels are high? As per longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia, “treat early and treat aggressively”. Swift and proactive efforts to lower ApoB could change your heart health’s trajectory.
You can adopt a few lifestyle changes to positively influence your ApoB levels:
Swap refined sugars and saturated fats with unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, avocado, and flaxseed.
Increase your fiber intake with fiber-rich foods like beans, oats, and berries.
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Our blog on the benefits of Zone 2 training might give you some inspiration.
Keeping tabs on your ApoB offers a more accurate risk assessment for heart disease. While lifestyle modifications can certainly steer you towards better health, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your routine. They can offer personalized advice based on your unique health goals, guiding you towards optimal heart health.
Evan Carey, Health Researcher
