Apolipoprotein A

What is Apolipoprotein A1?

Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) is a protein found in your body and is the main component of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL Cholesterol). This substance is often referred to as “good cholesterol”. HDL’s main role in the body is reverse cholesterol transport, where excess levels of cholesterol are moved from the arteries back to the liver and from there are removed from the body. This action helps to prevent or slow the development rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Apolipoprotein A1 is considered to be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than HDL-Cholesterol alone. Low levels of ApoA1 can indicate an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease risk, and high levels of ApoA1 tend to indicate protection against the development of CVD. Research also suggests that ApoA1 acts as a cofactor for certain enzymes and that it also plays a role in the immune system and in tumour suppression.

Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B are often tested together as they both are strong indicators of cardiovascular disease risk.

Why consider an Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) test?

Raised levels of Apolipoprotein A1 are directly linked to a greater level of protection from developing cardiovascular disease. If your test shows higher levels of ApoA1, then you are less likely to be at risk of developing a condition called atherosclerosis. This is a condition where fatty materials stick to and build up on the linings of your arteries, raising your risk of experiencing a heart attack or a stroke. If you choose to test for Apolipoprotein B at the same time, and this result shows a normal or low level of this protein, then you can be confident that you are at a lower risk of developing CVD.

If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health, and if you have any additional risk factors for heart problems, you should strongly consider getting an Apolipoprotein A1 test.

Risk factors can include:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• A family history of cardiovascular issues

Our test may also be suitable if you have any lifestyle risks, including:

• Smoking

• High alcohol intake

• Sedentary or low physical activity level

• Unhealthy diet (high in fat and sugar)

Apolipoprotein A1 and cardiovascular risk

High levels of Apolipoprotein A1 lower your risk of heart disease, including the risk of narrowing of the arteries, heart attack and stroke.

A high Apolipoprotein A1 count indicates that you are at a lower risk that particles of cholesterol will form plaques on the walls of your arteries. Apo A1 is a direct measure of cardiovascular risk, and many believe it to be a better measure than a standard lipid profile test.

How can my Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) be tested?

Our test requires you to provide a blood sample. Once we have collected your blood sample, we will then send it to our accredited laboratory for fast and efficient analysis.

What test will be run on my sample?

Our Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) test includes the following test:

• Apolipoprotein A1. Low levels are directly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

How will I receive my test results?

After three working days of your samples arrival at our laboratory, your test results will be ready for you to view. Your confidential results can be viewed at any time by logging in to your secure patient area on our website. A member of our Patient Services team will contact you as soon as your results are available.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

You should seek medical advice regarding lifestyle changes if you receive abnormal results. You can also be prescribed medications to lower your cholesterol. We can arrange a private consultation with one of our skilled doctors located throughout the country.