Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) is a carrier protein that helps transport HDL cholesterol (also known as good cholesterol) as well as other harmful fat molecules in the blood.
Since fat is not water-soluble, it cannot be transported freely in the blood. Instead, the body utilizes various molecules called lipoproteins to transport fat from the diet to the places where it is needed.
There are several different lipoproteins in the body, all of which transport fats to and from different targets, with the most common being HDL and LDL. Lipoproteins all consist of different types of apolipoproteins.
Apolipoprotein A1 is a component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol. HDL’s role is to remove excess and harmful fat molecules from the blood vessels, which otherwise cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It does this by transporting excess cholesterol in the body through the lymphatic system and blood to the liver, which then takes care of it.
Therefore, ApoA1 helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
The following reference values apply to ApoA1:
It is common to also examine the ratio between ApoB and ApoA1 because it provides more information when assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. An ApoB/ApoA1 ratio above 0.7 for women and above 0.8 for men is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Reference values may vary depending on where the analysis is performed and which analysis method is used.
A high ApoA1 is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. A high value may be due to hereditary factors or having a high level of physical activity and a healthy diet.
High levels can also be caused by certain medications. Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and medications containing estrogen are examples of these. It is also possible that elevated levels are due to certain hereditary diseases, but these are rare and often have other symptoms.
A low level of ApoA1 in the blood often means a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It can be caused by:
By analyzing ApoA1, one can assess the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as it provides an indication of the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Since ApoA1 is present in every HDL molecule, the level of ApoA1 provides a good indication of how much “good” cholesterol is present in the blood.
It is common to measure ApoA1 together with other markers for cholesterol levels and other blood lipids because it provides a better risk picture. Often, the level of apolipoprotein (ApoB) is also measured, which indicates the level of “bad” cholesterol LDL. It has been shown that not only the absolute levels of LDL and HDL in the blood matter, but also how they relate to each other is important. An ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is one of the best ways to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
An ApoA1 test can also be used to follow up on whether treatment for cardiovascular disease or lifestyle changes are effective as intended.
Often, it is possible to improve one’s levels of ApoA1 through a change in lifestyle. By exercising and eating healthily, one can often achieve good results. It is particularly important to reduce the proportion of saturated fats and fast carbohydrates in the diet.
In some cases, it may be justified to use medications to lower one’s values. If one has very low levels of ApoA1 and high ApoB, it may be good to discuss medication with a doctor.
In diseases such as diabetes, it is also good to be extra vigilant because the disease tends to raise blood lipids. Extra medication may then be needed in addition to lifestyle changes to lower the levels.
Cholesterol medications, such as statins, reduce the liver’s production of cholesterol and increase its removal from the bloodstream, which lowers blood cholesterol level
To reduce triglycerides, healthy lifestyles are recommended, such as regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, a healthy diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats, and medication as directed by a doctor if necessary.
The condition of the blood vessels is often examined with ultrasound, which provides information about the structure of the vessels and blood flow. Blood pressure measurement and blood tests that measure cholesterol and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are also important.
An adult should consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day from the diet.
Cholesterol is too high when total cholesterol is over 5 mmol/l, LDL cholesterol over 3 mmol/l, or HDL cholesterol is below 1 mmol/l for men and below 1,2 mmol/l for women.
Cholesterol can be lowered by eating healthily, reducing the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, increasing the amount of fiber-rich foods in the diet, and regular physical activity.
LDL cholesterol is considered too high when its concentration in the blood exceeds 3 mmol/L. High LDL levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, so managing them is important for health.
It is recommended that cholesterol be measured at least once every five years for healthy adults. Those in risk groups and those on cholesterol medication should have their cholesterol measured more frequently.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases includes healthy lifestyle habits: a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption. It is also important to regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through the liver, which converts it into bile. Bile aids in the digestion of fats and is expelled from the body with the feces.
Cholesterol levels can rise quickly, even within a few days, if the diet includes a lot of foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats.
Coronary artery disease is usually diagnosed with a cardiac stress test, ECG (electrocardiogram), and blood tests that measure cardiac markers. Sometimes imaging studies such as heart ultrasound or computed tomography are also used.
LDL cholesterol can be lowered by reducing the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet, increasing fiber, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities is typically diagnosed through a clinical examination conducted by a doctor and various diagnostic tests. The most common tests include the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which measures blood pressure in the ankle and arm, and Doppler ultrasound, which assesses blood flow in the arteries. More detailed imaging methods such as angiography may also be used if necessary to provide a detailed view of the condition of the vessels.
Total cholesterol is calculated by adding together the HDL, LDL, and 20 percent of the triglyceride value. This provides an overview of the blood cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol medication can be started when lifestyle changes are not sufficient to lower high cholesterol levels and the person has an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
HDL cholesterol can be increased by adding healthy fats to the diet, such as nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish, as well as regular aerobic exercise.
Cholesterol levels can start to drop within a few weeks of lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. With medication, changes can be seen even faster.
Vital laboratory package Man 50+ includes 36 values and provides you with a comprehensive overview of your health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a man over 50 years old.
Vital laboratory package Woman 50+ includes 39 values and provides senior women with a broad overview of their health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a woman over 50 years old.
Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) is a carrier protein that helps to transport HDL cholesterol, also called the good cholesterol.
The total cholesterol measurement shows the total cholesterol value in the blood.
CRP or a high-sensitivity CRP test is usually carried out if an inflammatory disease is suspected.
Ferritin indicates the amount of iron stored in the body. Low ferritin level is a sign of low iron stores.
Studies show that HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol”, is linked to better vascular health.
The LDL cholesterol level shows the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a carrier protein that helps transport LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol) as well as other harmful fat molecules in the blood.
Article updated:
23 October 2024