Apolipoprotein A1 Test (APO-A1 Test)

Apolipoprotein A1 Blood Test

Apolipoprotein (Apo-A1) is a type of protein that combines with lipids to produce lipoproteins and helps move the lipids through the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Apolipoprotein A-I is a significant component of HDL (High-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol and has a specific role in lipid metabolism and the anticlotting effect of the body. It keeps the arteries clear of plaque-forming cholesterol. Apolipoprotein is synthesized in the liver, and its synthesis depends on many factors. It is also known as the Apo A1 test. Apolipoprotein A-1 blood test measures the amount of apolipoprotein A in blood.

When is the Apolipoprotein A1 blood test prescribed?

Apo A1 test is recommended by the doctor when he suspects a risk for cardiovascular disease.

• To check the risk factors or survival rate in individuals who have suffered prior heart attacks, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral vascular diseases.
• To diagnose the conditions that cause Apolipoprotein A1 deficiency.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatments for high cholesterol.
• To detect atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
• To evaluate people with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, triglycerides, or low HDL.

What are the components of the Apolipoprotein A1 test?

• Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A1) may be recommended alone or with another lipid test
• Apo A1 test can be one as part of a profile to help determine a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Apo A1 test is not generally considered more informative than HDL and is not ordered routinely.
• It may be ordered along with an apolipoprotein (apo b) to determine an apo B/apo a 1 ratio

What is a standard Apolipoprotein A1 test range?

The average value of Apo A-1

• For men 94-178 mg/dL
• For women 101-199 mg/dL.

Apo A-1 may decrease with

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Use of drugs like androgens, beta-blockers, diuretics, and progestins

Apo A1 may increase with:

• Physical exercise
• Pregnancy
• Weight reduction
• Use of certain drugs
• Physical exercise
• Congenital hyper-A-lipoproteinemia
• Low levels of Apolipoprotein A1 indicate an increased risk of coronary artery disease and inefficient clearance of excess cholesterol from the body.
• An extremely low Apolipoprotein A1 suggests liver disease or a genetic disorder.
• High levels of apolipoprotein indicate the presence of good HDL.

How is an Apolipoprotein Apo A1 test done?

• The test requires a blood sample
• It requires fasting for at least 12-14 hours.
• Test Results can take 1-2 Days.
• This test poses no risk to the patient.