One of the main indicators and risk factors of coronary heart disease is high cholesterol in the blood. This fat molecule helps cell formation and Vitamin production and hormones.
However, when its presence is high, it tends to accumulate in the Walls of the arteries and form deposits known as Ateroma plates; obstructions that are broken form a clot that results in infarction or stroke.
Through a blood analysis, researchers measure the amount of apolipoproteins B that are responsible for depositing cholesterol in the arteries.
A new study, published in the European Heart Journaloffers an alternative test for Early detect this possible fat accumulation In the bloodstream.
Through a blood test, researchers measure the amount of apolipoproteins B (APOB), which are the molecules responsible for depositing cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, and with it the risk of suffer vascular heart disease.
“In generally healthy adult populations, APOB levels exceeding 100 mg/ dl are associated with a substantial increase in cardiogenic events,” the main author of this study and researcher at the Technological University of Chalmer (Sweden), highlights, the main author of the Technological University of Chalmer (Sweden), Jakub Sea.
A more precise test than conventional ones
When evaluating the possible existence of heart disease, doctors measure the amount of colesterol LDL —The harmful – through an analytical.
However, since cholesterol cannot circulate or cause damage without its conveyor lipoproteins, Morze’s team dedicated himself to evaluating the amount of apolipoproteins B as an Imost accurate conditioner coronary risk.
“The APOB integrates the information from both the LDL cholesterol and the triglycerides, by directly measuring the number of circulating atherogenic particles,” explains the first author of this research.
This means that when this molecule is analyzed, you can know which fat particles They can cover the arteries No need to know your amount.
In fact, it was not clear if two patients with the same level of ‘bad cholesterol’ presented the same risk of heart disease. It was necessary to specify the Type of Carrier Lipoproteinas well as its size and quantity in blood.
15 years of research
The scientists analyzed blood samples of more than 200,000 people from the United Kingdom Without a history of heart disease.
They focused specifically on lipoproteins that transported APOB and monitor patients for 15 years to see what type of protein were more related to heart attacks.
They discovered that APOB is the best marker to evaluate the risk of coronary heart disease, since it indicates the total number of LDL cholesterol particles and offers greater precision than standard measurements.
This does not mean that conventional evidence is not effective, but, in approximately one in each twelve patientsthey can underestimate the risk of possible events related to the heart, as detailed by the study.
Before, laboratory methods to measure APOB were complex, so it was preferred to quantify the amount of cholesterol. “Today it is technically possible since the essays are standardized and profitable, but face a rooted preference for more than 50 years,” says Morze.
Early detection is relevant because between 20 % and 40 % of the initial cases of coronary heart disease are mortal, so, by changing the type of tests, “we can improve that precision and save”, Argues the researcher.
Another vascular risk marker
The study also observed that another type of LDL cholesterol protein, called lipoprotein (a) It is a relevant component to identify coronary risk.
As Morze to SIN details, this molecule is able to damage the walls of the arteries and make them become inflamed. “Lipoprotein (a) is structurally similar to LDL, since it transports cholesterol, but contains an additional surface protein, apolipoprotein (a), which favors vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, ”says the scientist.
Also, this type of protein “can alter fibrinolysis”, a natural process by which the body Dissolve the blood clots; and thus increase the risk of thrombus in the future.
Few people have high levels of lipoprotein (a), since they are genetically inherited in most cases, and represent less than 1% of the total of conveyor proteins of ‘bad cholesterol’ in the general population.
However, review is still necessary because there are patients who have very high values and could lead to an increase in cardiovascular risk.
Sea, J. et al. ApoB-containing lipoproteins: count, type, size, and risk of coronary artery disease. European Heart Journal. 2025
