Apolipoprotein Serum, Profile

Apolipoproteins test is prescribed to understand the inflammatory status of the blood vessels. This gives a more detailed idea of the risk of heart diseases than the routine cholesterol screening. This may be  done in cases of :

• Family history of early age heart diseases.
• LDL levels are found to be high despite medication
• Family history of hypercholesterolemia
• Blood vessel diseases with normal triglyceride and total cholesterol levels
• Self history of heart diseases with or without surgery. 
• To diagnose deficiencies of Apo-A1 and Apo-B which may be genetic.

It is a comprehensive profile that comprises of four tests. Apolipoproteins test measures the amount of apolipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein B, ratio of  Apo-B/Apo-A, and Lipoprotein-A in the blood. This is a predictor of the risk of heart diseases.

Apolipoprotein levels measure the overall health of one’s heart and the risk that an individual has to get a heart attack. Other tests that may be ordered along with this are lipid profile, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

During Apolipoproteins test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

"Apo A high levels of Apo A may reduce the risk of heart diseases, strokes and peripheral vascular disorders. Low levels may increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Low levels may also occur due to certain inherited apolipoprotein deficiencies. Apo B high levels can lead to cholesterol being deposited in the arterial walls which causes thickening or clogging of the arterial walls also known as ""atherosclerosis"". This disrupts the flow of blood to the heart and other vital organs. This increases the risk of heart diseases, strokes, and other peripheral arterial diseases. Low levels may mean reduced risk of heart diseases. Low levels may also occur due to Apo-B deficiencies as seen in Tangier's disease or fish eye disease. High B/A1 ratio increases the risk of heart diseases. Low ratio may reduce the risk of cardiac diseases and stroke. High Lp-a levels also contribute to thickening of arteries and reduced blood supply. Certain conditions may contribute to high Lp-a levels such as uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disorders, hypothyroidism and certain hormonal disorders. Hence, the aim should be to keep the Lp-a low or within normal levels. Apolipoprotein Profile being a more specific test gives a clearer picture of the risk of heart diseases as compared to routine cholesterol tests. "

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

The serum apolipoprotein profile is a blood test.

• History of family heart disease, current lipid medications, and reason for sample collection will be taken.
• The patient will be asked to sit in a comfortable position.
• A tight, elastic band (tourniquet) will be tied above the site of needle insertion.
• The patient will be asked to make a fist to enable the veins to bulge for easy insertion of the needle.
• The skin is disinfected.
• Around 5 ml of blood is then collected in a suitable vial via a vacutainer.
• The needle is removed and a pressure dressing is applied at the insertion site.

• The results are obtained by interpreting how much apolipoprotein is present in the blood sample.
• If the apolipoprotein levels are low, it means that the HDL levels are low. This increases one’s chances of getting atherosclerotic diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.
• High apolipoprotein levels could be because of exercise, certain medications, or pregnancy.

If one has a family history of cardiovascular diseases, the doctor will recommend getting this test done every 6 months or every year. If one has already been diagnosed with heart disease, the doctor may recommend getting this test done on a more regular basis for proper monitoring, and screening and to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Certain medications may alter the results of the test such as androgens, beta-blockers, diuretics, progestins, estrogen, oral contraceptives, niacin, carbamazepine, simvastatin, ethanol, pravastatin, and simvastatin. The doctor must be informed if one is taking any or all of these medicines, any other underlying medical condition, and any other allergies one may be having.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/what-is-apolipoprotein-b-test
2. https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/apolipoprotein-b/

Apolipoproteins B, Apolipoproteins A1, Apo A1, Apo B, Apolipoprotein ratio test, Ratio Apo B/A1, ApoA1/ApoB ratio test, ApoA1/B ratio test, Lp(a), Lipoprotein(a)