Apolipoprotein B testing offers better prediction of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol

A new study suggests measuring apolipoprotein B (apoB) in cholesterol tests is more effective than current methods for identifying individuals needing treatment to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found apoB levels better predicted cardiovascular risk than LDL or non-HDL cholesterol. ApoB is a protein on particles that deposit cholesterol in artery walls, potentially causing blockages even when LDL appears normal. This research comes as heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of death in the U.S. Updated guidelines also recommend measuring genetic marker Lp(a) at least once in adulthood.