Non-HDL Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B
Definition
Two complementary measures:
- Non-HDL cholesterol, calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol; that is, it covers all cholesterol carriers that contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), a protein present in one copy on each particle that causes atherosclerosis; it therefore reflects particle number.
Purpose
LDL cholesterol is the primary causal factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); however, the importance of non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) measures is increasingly recognized.
Results
High non-HDL and high ApoB can indicate increased cardiovascular risk even when the LDL value appears to be at target.
Normal Values
Laboratory specific, refer to the reference range on your report. Target values are determined based on a person's overall risk level; therefore there is no single threshold.
Risks and Limitations
These measures do not replace the lipid profile, they complement it. Interpretation is done together with the person's other risk factors.