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This page helps you to understand blood test results for Apo B and gives you the reference range to determine if your lab test results mean that you have high Apo B, low Apo B or normal Apo B levels.
We outline the risk factors associated with both raised and low Apo B levels.
Reference Ranges for Apo B:
| Measurement unit | Metric | Optimal | Borderline | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Conventional Units | mg/dl | <=89 | 90-119 | >=120 |
| Standard International Units | mmol/L | <=2.3 | 2.4-3.1 | >=3.2 |
What is Apo B
Apo B is the primary protein component of LDL. ApoB is generally regarded as a better indicator of circulating LDL compared to LDL cholesterol [11].
Function of Apo B
Low-density lipoproteins are the primary carriers of cholesterol in the blood. Apo B allows these particles to attach to specific receptors on the surface of cells, particularly in the liver. The receptors transport low-density lipoproteins into the cell, where they are broken down to release cholesterol. The cholesterol is then used by the cell, stored, or removed from the body [12].
Risk factors associated with Apo B
Apo B is associated with increased risk of developing heart disease and often outperforms LDL cholesterol as a marker for predicting risk. For example, patients with acceptable LDL cholesterol but elevated Apo B remain at higher risk of developing heart disease, conversely, patients with acceptably low Apo B but moderate LDL cholesterol elevations are at a comparably reduced risk for heart disease [11].
Notable variations by demographic group
Apo B levels are higher in males than in females and tend to increase with age [11].