Test your
Cholesterol LDL/Apolipoprotein B Ratio
Looking for an easy way to test and monitor your Cholesterol LDL/Apolipoprotein B Ratio?
It's included in the HealthieOne Complete test.
Cholesterol LDL/Apolipoprotein B Ratio
Explanation: The Cholesterol LDL/Apolipoprotein B Ratio compares the amount of cholesterol carried by LDL particles to the number of LDL particles themselves. Since each LDL particle contains exactly one ApoB molecule, ApoB serves as a direct count of your atherogenic particles. LDL only tells you the total cholesterol cargo, not how many "trucks" are delivering it. When this ratio is high, you have fewer but larger, cholesterol-rich LDL particles. When the ratio is low, you have more numerous but smaller particles, each carrying less cholesterol. Small, dense LDL particles are more dangerous because they penetrate artery walls more easily and are more prone to oxidation, accelerating plaque formation even when LDL appears normal.
Test purpose:
- Identify hidden cardiovascular risk: Reveals when particle number is high despite normal LDL, unmasking risk that standard lipid panels completely overlook, particularly common in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
- Determine LDL particle size pattern: A low ratio indicates small, dense LDL predominance (Pattern B), which carries significantly higher heart disease risk than large, buoyant particles (Pattern A) even at identical LDL levels.
- Guide more precise treatment decisions: Helps determine whether therapy should focus on lowering LDL alone or addressing the underlying metabolic dysfunction driving excess particle production.
Note: Universal clinical reference ranges have not been established for this calculated marker. Available cutoffs vary by population and clinical context. This value should be interpreted alongside individual component values, clinical history, and other relevant biomarkers.
An aspect of Cholesterol, Fatty Acids and Ketone Bodies.