Apo(B) - a great marker for heart

Cardiovascular risk is among the top ten risks in modern society. Your cholesterol numbers, particularly your total cholesterol, have received a lot of attention with respect to heart risk.

I would like to recommend another marker that merits attention. Apo(b). Let me explain why. 

In humans, the APOB gene encodes Apo (B), also known as Apolipoprotein B. It is commonly used to detect cardiovascular disease risk. It can be measured through blood tests.

But why am I recommending this marker? 

When your total intake of food is more than your daily requirement or when you overconsume foods high in fat, the excess fat will be released into your bloodstream. Repeated over years, the lipids will begin to convert into plaque. 

The formation of plaque causes your body to release calcium, which ultimately causes blockages in your arteries.

Apo (B) is the main structural component of this fat, also known as atherogenic lipoproteins. Atherogenesis is the process by which plaque forms in your arteries. 

So if your blood reports show a higher than normal Apo (B) number, it means that your arteries are forming plaque. 

But you might still ask, why am I recommending this marker? 

Cholesterol has become a much misunderstood concept. Cholesterol is essential to the human body. You could not live without it. There are many concepts embedded within the term cholesterol. LDL, HDL, VLDL, and triglycerides to name a few.

If you are in the habit of reading, you might have ended up becoming totally confused about which of these you should track.

Here's the crucial concept to consider. The buildup of plaque.

I am exaggerating for effect. Imagine that your Apo (B) and calcium score (a concept I have discussed before) numbers are fine, and your weight is within range. Chances are that your cardiovascular risk is slim to non-existent. 

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