Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Protein that carries LDL particles;key cardiovascular risk marker
18 of 22 providers
Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health
Optimal:<90 mg/dL, Desirable:<100 mg/dL, High risk:>130 mg/dL
What is Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)?
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary structural protein of atherogenic (artery-clogging) lipoprotein particles, including LDL, VLDL, and Lp(a). Each atherogenic particle contains exactly one ApoB molecule, making ApoB a direct count of the total number of potentially harmful cholesterol particles circulating in your blood. This makes ApoB a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol alone.
Unlike LDL cholesterol, which measures the amount of cholesterol within LDL particles, ApoB counts the actual number of particles. This distinction is crucial because particle number is a stronger predictor of atherosclerosis than cholesterol content. Two people with identical LDL cholesterol levels can have very different ApoB levels—one might have many small cholesterol-poor particles (high ApoB, higher risk), while the other has fewer large cholesterol-rich particles (lower ApoB, lower risk).
ApoB testing has emerged as a superior biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly useful in cases of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and high triglycerides where traditional LDL cholesterol measurements can be misleading. Many cardiologists and longevity medicine practitioners now consider ApoB the single best lipid marker for predicting heart disease risk. It captures all atherogenic particles in a single measurement, providing a more comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment than standard lipid panels.
Why Apolipoprotein B Is Essential
- Most accurate single predictor of cardiovascular disease risk
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Optimal (Longevity)<60 mg/dL▼
Lowest cardiovascular risk with minimal atherogenic particle burden.
Good (Standard)60-80 mg/dL▼
Acceptable for most adults with low-moderate CVD risk.
Very Low<40 mg/dL▼
Rarely problematic;may occur with certain genetic conditions or medications.
Elevated>90 mg/dL▼
- Increased atherogenic risk
- Guidelines suggest <80 mg/dL for high-risk patients
Scientific Evidence
ApoB in Metabolic Syndrome
Research demonstrating that ApoB is particularly valuable in metabolic syndrome where high triglycerides cause LDL-C to underestimate particle number. ApoB provides accurate risk assessment regardless of triglyceride levels.
Source:Contois et al., "Apolipoprotein B and Cardiovascular Disease Risk,"Clinical Chemistry, 2009 (PubMed)
Very Low ApoB and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Analysis of PCSK9 inhibitor trials showing that achieving very low ApoB levels (<50-60 mg/dL) provides substantial additional cardiovascular benefit without safety concerns, supporting aggressive ApoB lowering strategies.
Source:Sabatine et al., "Evolocumab and Clinical Outcomes,"New England Journal of Medicine, 2017 (PubMed)
ApoB Consensus and Guidelines
International expert consensus statement advocating for ApoB as preferred biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment monitoring, particularly in high-risk populations and for precision lipidology.
Source:Langlois et al., "Quantifying Atherogenic Lipoproteins,"European Heart Journal, 2018 (PubMed)
Source:
Which Providers Test Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | ✓ | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | ✓ | $398 | 30+ |
| ✓ | $486 | 40+ | |
| — | $444 | 288 | |
| ✓ | $349 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| ✓ | $250 | 65 | |
| ✓ | $495 | 70+ | |
| ✓ | $895 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $1950 | 150+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| ✓ | $190 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $99 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $124 | 60 | |
| — | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| — | $375 | 85 | |
| ✓ | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)?
Protein that carries LDL particles;key cardiovascular risk marker
What is the optimal range for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)?
The standard reference range for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is Optimal:<90 mg/dL, Desirable:<100 mg/dL, High risk:>130 mg/dL. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)?
18 out of 22 blood testing providers include Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
What category does Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) fall under?
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is categorized under Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health. This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20