- Atherosclerosis involves a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. It can lead to complications like heart attack and stroke.
- Screening for components contributing to atherosclerosis, such as cholesterol levels, is vital in preventing adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- A recent study found that testing for a specific protein, apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB), may be a more accurate method of predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk than testing for cholesterol levels alone.
The health of the heart and blood vessels is vital to body function. Early screening can help people understand their risks and potentially prevent adverse health outcomes.
Testing cholesterol levels is important, but another test can further help identify the risk for cardiovascular disease: apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB) levels. This protein helps transport cholesterol throughout the body.
Testing for the level of this protein in the blood may help identify people who are more at risk for cardiovascular disease, even when cholesterol levels are normal.
This is the argument that a team of researchers from Intermountain Healthcare — a system of 33 hospitals in Utah — have made at the 2023 American College of Cardiology annual Scientific Sessions (ACC23) in New Orleans.
The researchers’ presentation was based on an analysis they had recently conducted.
Atherosclerosis makes it harder for blood to circulate properly in the body. It can lead to several health complications if left unchecked.
Cardiologist at the Texas Heart Institute,
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