Heart Health

Is an apoB test a better way to check your cholesterol?

This blood test, which measures a protein in your bloodstream, is more closely linked than LDL cholesterol level to heart disease risk.

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A gloved hand holds a vial of blood labeled Apolipoprotein B for testing.

Excess cholesterol in your bloodstream can accumulate inside your arteries, paving the way for a heart attack or stroke. But to assess your risk of heart disease, a standard cholesterol test may not always give the full picture. Some people — especially those with diabetes, fatty liver disease, or obesity — might benefit from a test that measures apolipoprotein B (apoB).

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About the Reviewer

photo of Cian McCarthy, MB, BCh, BAO, SM

Cian McCarthy, MB, BCh, BAO, SM, Contributor

Dr. Cian McCarthy is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a cardiovascular medicine attending physician at the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute. He attended medical school at University College Cork, … See Full Bio
View all posts by Cian McCarthy, MB, BCh, BAO, SM
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