Apolipoprotein A Test

What is Apolipoprotein A?

Apolipoproteins (Apo) are proteins that attach to lipids (fats) to form lipoproteins. Lipoproteins help with transport of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. There are several types of Apo, and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) is one of the major types. ApoA-1 is the predominant protein of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which is known as the “good” cholesterol. ApoA-I makes up around 70% of the protein in each HDL particle.

What is an Apolipoprotein A test?

The ApoA-1 test measures the main protein of HDL. Low levels of ApoA-1 indicate a greater risk of blocked arteries and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can result in stroke and heart attack.

A more accurate risk of heart disease can be measured using the ratio between ApoA-1 and another main type of Apo called ApoB (found in Low-Density Lipoprotein [LDL], and known as the “bad” cholesterol). The ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio indicates the balance between the “bad” cholesterol and the “good” cholesterol. A higher ratio indicates more harmful LDL relative to protective HDL, and a higher risk of blocked arteries and CVD.

Can I buy the Apolipoprotein A test online?

The Online Clinic can supply the Apolipoprotein A test for next day delivery.

Apolipoprotein A1 £59.95

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How long do results take for the Apolipoprotein A test online?

Results are available on your Patient Dashboard within 3 days of the sample being received at our laboratory. Results come with an interpretation from a doctor.

Why is an Apolipoprotein A test important?

Apo’s have several functions. They make lipoproteins stable and enable lipids to be soluble in blood. They also play a role in the regulation of cell receptors that recognise lipoproteins in the blood, regulate enzymes affecting lipoprotein metabolism, and aid lipid absorption into cells.

Specifically, ApoA-1 helps remove any excess cholesterol from the arteries, transporting it to the liver for excretion. Thereby, it reduces the risk of fatty deposits (called plaque) accumulating on walls of arteries and reduces the risk of CVD. Additionally, ApoA-1 contributes to the widening of blood vessels, improving the flow of blood around the body.

ApoA-1 also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial functions, and modulates the immune system, reducing the severity of inflammatory conditions. Apo A-1 helps to preserve brain health, protecting against the cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s disease.

Who should have their Apolipoprotein A level tested?

The ApoA-1 test is used alongside other tests for lipids in the blood. Together, the tests give an overall picture of a person’s risk of developing CVD.

The ApoA-1 test may be used:

In patients with a family history of high lipid levels (hyperlipidaemia), high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolaemia), and/or CVD, including early heart disease or stroke
In patients who develop high lipid (e.g., cholesterol or triglyceride) levels
In patients living with high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or obesity
In the diagnosis of rare genetic conditions that result in Apo A-1 deficiencies (e.g., Tangier and fish-eye disease)
To monitor the effect of taking medications aimed at increasing HDL-cholesterol or adopting a healthy lifestyle
Where LDL cannot be calculated.

How to test for Apolipoprotein A?

The ApoA-1 test is done using a small sample of your blood that can be collected by you. Alternatively, the blood sample can be collected from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. In either case, your healthcare professional at The Online Clinic will receive the results and explain their meaning to you.

If you choose to collect your own blood sample, your healthcare professional will provide you with a blood sample collection kit, detailed easy-to-follow instructions, and details of where to send the sample. In brief, a lancet is used to prick your little finger, and the drops of blood are collected into a blood sample collection tube. After securely sealing the tube, you carefully invert the tube several times to mix the blood, and label it with your details. The blood sample is then posted to the laboratory for analysis.

What are normal Apolipoprotein A test results?

ApoA-1 reference ranges depend on the biological sex and age of the individual, as well as the laboratory analysing the blood sample. Thus, for:

Children, males and females aged 1–14 years range 0.80–1.64 g/L.
Adolescents, males and females aged 14–19 years range 0.72–1.54 g/L.
Adult males aged 19–60 years range 0.95–1.86 g/L; and aged over 60 years range 0.73–1.86 g/L.
Adult females aged 19–60 years range 1.01–2.23 g/L; and aged over 60 years range 0.91–2.24 g/L.

How to maintain normal/increase Apolipoprotein A levels

A healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining normal or increasing ApoA-1 levels, through:

A Mediterranean-style diet that is high in unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, fish), whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and avoids saturated fats (fatty meats, cheese, palm oil) and processed/ultra processed foods (sausages, crisps, cakes)
Avoiding drinking more than 14 units/week of alcohol
Keeping your body weight within the normal range
Not smoking
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (walking, swimming) for at least 150 minutes/week
Managing stress and having 7–9 hours of sleep/night.

When such changes are insufficient to increase ApoA-1, treatments and supplements may be suggested alongside a healthy lifestyle. Medicines known as fibrates and niacin taken on prescription at high doses and can raise ApoA-1, while statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe and supplements containing plant sterols/stanols can improve the ApoB to ApoA-1 ratio.