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Lipids & heart

Lipid panel & ApoB

Also known as:

Cholesterol test, apolipoprotein B, non-HDL cholesterol

Cholesterol numbers plus the particle count that best reflects artery risk.

Written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD · Last reviewed

VIDEO LESSON

IN THE STUDIO
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ANIMATED EXPLAINER · APOB
STEP 1 OF 4
Particles carry cholesterol
LDL and VLDL particles each carry one ApoB.

What it measures

A lipid panel reports LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. ApoB counts atherogenic particles, since each LDL and VLDL particle carries one ApoB.

When ApoB helps

• High triglycerides, diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome

• When LDL looks fine but risk seems high

• Guidelines list ApoB of 130 mg/dL or higher as a risk-enhancing factor

Good to know

Nonfasting samples are fine for most people. Non-HDL cholesterol is a free, useful alternative to ApoB on every standard panel.

Educational content only, written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD. It does not replace individual medical advice. For sudden chest pain, trouble breathing or stroke symptoms, call 911.

AT A GLANCE

Test type

Lipids & heart

Also known as

Cholesterol test, apolipoprotein B, non-HDL cholesterol

Reviewed by

Farhan Tahir, MD

Questions about your own care?

Dr. Tahir’s team offers consults through Youthful Medicine.

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