17 January 2024

What are Apo B and hsCRP?

Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is a type of test performed to help determine the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease risk.

This examination is a lipoprotein analysis performed to measure blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and is generally conducted alongside a lipid profile test.

Apo B carries various lipoproteins, known as bad cholesterol, which include:

• Lipoproteins such as chylomicrons
• Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)
• Intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL)

This bad cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in blood vessels.

This examination is recommended for individuals with a family history of heart disease, a history of high cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides. Increased levels of apo B are usually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Several factors can cause elevated apo B levels, but this condition is generally caused by a high-fat diet. Abnormal apo B can also be caused by certain medical conditions or diseases as well as pregnancy.

Benefits of the Apo B Examination:

• Determine the risk of coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular disorders
• Monitor cholesterol levels in the blood
• Monitor triglyceride levels
• This examination can also help monitor the effectiveness or success of treatment for high cholesterol.

Conditions that Can Cause High Apo B Levels:

• Underactive thyroid
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy, which causes temporarily high Apo B levels

Conditions that Can Cause Low Apo B Levels:

• Reye's syndrome
• Overactive thyroid
• Malnutrition
• Scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis
• Severe illness
• Apolipoprotein B deficiency, a rare genetic condition known as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome

Reviewed by : Dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source : Halodoc Health Article

Photo : freepik.com