ApoB: What is it?
ApoB defined
Apolipoprotein B
The level of ApoB is referred to in the Crestor labelling. Indeed, Crestor reduces the plasma ApoB level. But what exactly is ApoB? All is revealed below.
An Apolipoprotein is a protein that binds to a fat, i.e. a lipid. When a Apolipoprotein bonds to a lipid, it forms a lipoprotein.
Apolipoprotein B, abbreviated to ApoB, is the primary component of LDL lipoproteins. It is known that high levels of ApoB can lead to the plaques that cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a precursor to heart disease.
There is some evidence to suggest that the levels of ApoB in the blood are more highly correleated with the risk of heart disease than either total or LDL cholesterol levels. However, it is easier to measure total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, so for practicality, the LDL cholesterol level is taken as being the main risk factor for atherosclerosis.
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