FOR almost 60 years, measuring cholesterol levels in the blood has been the best way to identify individuals at high risk of heart disease.
However, a new study has shown comprehensively that a combination of two lipoprotein markers, measured in a simple blood test, can give more accurate information about individual risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than the current blood cholesterol test.
The researchers analysed data from more than 200,000 people within the UK Biobank, who had no prior history of CVD.
They measured the number and size of different cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins in the blood, focusing specifically on lipoproteins that carry a protein called apolipoprotein B (apoB) into arterial walls and is the primary driver of atherosclerosis.
By following participants for up to 15 years, it was found that apoB is the best marker when testing for risk of CVD.
"That does not mean conventional tests are ineffective; they generally perform well," said study lead Dr Jakub Morze.
"However, in about one in 12 patients, standard cholesterol tests may underestimate CVD risk, which is important to consider, since 20-40% of all first-time occurrences of CVD are fatal.
"By switching to apoB testing, we can improve that accuracy and potentially save lives," he said.
Read the full paper HERE.
In Australia, an ApoB test is not currently routinely funded or reimbursed for any clinical indication.
While it can be helpful in assessing cardiovascular disease risk, especially in conjunction with other lipid tests, its use is often considered in specific situations rather than as a general population screening tool.
ApoB testing is often considered when a patient has a family history of heart disease, high triglyceride levels, or other factors suggesting a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
It may also be used to monitor treatment for hyperlipidaemia.
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