High Apolipoprotein B
Our high apolipoprotein B specialists are here for you. Our team of lipid doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your heart health and overall wellness.
What Is Apolipoprotein B?
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a protein found on the surface of plaque-causing, or atherogenic, lipid particles (lipoproteins) in the blood. Atherogenic lipoproteins include low-density lipoprotein (LDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). Each of these particles contains a single apoB molecule, so by measuring apoB we are measuring the total number of atherogenic particles. By contrast, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is measuring the amount of cholesterol within LDL particles.
Although LDL-C is classically used to assess cardiovascular risk, certain populations of patients (such as those with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and/or elevated triglycerides), may have a discordantly high apoB as compared with LDL-C. In these cases, apoB is a more accurate measure of cardiovascular risk. Patients with well-controlled LDL-C may have persistently high apoB, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk and a need for treatment intensification. ApoB can be measured with a simple blood test, though it is not part of a standard lipid panel. Guidelines recommend apoB measurement to enhance risk assessment and guide treatment decisions.
What Are the Causes of High Apolipoprotein B?
The most common causes of high apoB include:
Genetic conditions (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia, familial combined hyperlipidemia, high Lp(a))
Dietary causes (excessive intake of saturated fats, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and simple sugars)
Underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism)
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta blockers, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, oral estrogens, antipsychotics, HIV medications, retinoids)
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for High Apolipoprotein B?
Treatment options may include:
Lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise, weight management)
Lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, fibrates, high-dose omega-3 fatty acids)
Treatment of underlying medical conditions and avoidance of medications contributing to high apoB
How Can Well by Messer Help You with High Apolipoprotein B?
At Well by Messer, our lipid specialists will not only determine if patients have high apoB but will also assess their overall risk of heart attack and stroke. Mildly high apoB may not require medical therapy, however, if patients have other risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (including history of smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of heart disease at a young age, etc.), treatment may be necessary. We take a multidisciplinary approach to treat high apoB. Our physicians, dietitians and personal trainers work together with our patients to determine the best plan for improving their apoB.
Meet Your Well by Messer Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists (adult and pediatric), internists, gynecologists, urologists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, dietitians, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your long-term health & wellness at our locations in Manhattan, Greenwich (CT), Great Neck (Long Island) and soon to be Miami (FL)!
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