Apolipoprotein B in cardiovascular risk assessment

This was a review of earlier research, not a new experiment with patients. The researchers examined how apolipoprotein B, or apoB, reflects the number of artery-blocking cholesterol particles in the blood. They compared it with LDL cholesterol, often called bad cholesterol, and other cholesterol measures. ApoB may show heart risk more accurately in some people, especially those with diabetes, obesity, or high triglycerides, a type of blood fat. However, the evidence did not show that everyone needs an apoB test.

What this means for you: ApoB can be a useful extra test when a standard cholesterol test gives an unclear picture. It is not a reason to buy supplements or replace proven steps such as treating high cholesterol, exercising, and not smoking.