A new research study conducted by Northwestern Medicine suggests that a significant number of Americans may not be receiving the most effective cholesterol screening currently available. While millions of people undergo standard lipid panels annually to track LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol, the study indicates that measuring apolipoprotein B (apoB) may offer a more accurate assessment of who actually requires treatment to mitigate the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
The findings, which were published in the journal JAMA this past April, highlight a potential gap in current diagnostic practices. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in the United States, despite recent declines in mortality rates. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and elevated cholesterol levels all contribute significantly to these risks.
ApoB is a specific protein found on particles responsible for depositing cholesterol into artery walls, leading to dangerous buildup over time. The American Heart Association notes that in certain instances, a patient’s LDL-cholesterol levels might appear healthy, yet their apoB levels could be elevated. In such cases, a standard lipid panel might fail to provide a complete picture of an individual’s actual risk profile for developing heart disease.
This research arrives alongside updated clinical guidance issued earlier this year by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and nine other major medical organizations. These new guidelines emphasize that Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), should be measured at least once during adulthood. As a genetic marker, Lp(a) levels provide insight into long-term risk for heart attack or stroke, with higher numbers indicating increased danger. Like other cholesterol metrics, Lp(a) is evaluated through a simple blood sample.
