Often, you will come across people who complain of having weak hearts or are infected with heart diseases. Indeed, the heart is the one organ of the body that allows you to function well throughout the day. People tend to take care of the heart when the damage is already done. well, if you belong to this category, know that following this policy is of no use. There is no point in taking care of your heart after it has faced an attack. So, the earlier you start taking care, the healthier you remain.
Indeed, several tests help you determine the condition of your heart. Of all tests, one important blood test is the apolipoprotein test. We understand that most of you haven’t heard of it. So, we have decided to help you provide the necessary information on apoB test UK through this blog. Here, we will cover everything that you need to know about the apolipoprotein test.
When it comes to getting a test done, you are surely bothered about the cost of it. Similarly, the apolipoprotein B test cost also matters. However, the cost of this test varies from one place to another. This is because not pathological labs provide the same kind of facility. Labs with better facilities charge higher than those that have basic facilities. So, we cannot assure you anything about the cost. However, the cost of the apoB test is nothing beyond human capacity.
What is apolipoprotein B?
A protein component that allows passing the cholesterol and fat is known as the Apolipoprotein B – 100. In short, it is known as apoB. In order to retain healthy cells and produce hormones, your body has to have both cholesterol and fats. Although these two are essential components, they do not get dissolved in the blood completely. If you want your body to produce these compounds without any hassle, you need lipoprotein. In a human body, the lipoprotein remains on the inside with the apolipoprotein on the outside of the body.
ApoB contains various types of lipoproteins which as a whole are known as bad cholesterol. These include the following:
- Lipoproteins
- Low-density lipoproteins
- Very low-density lipoproteins
- Intermediate density lipoprotein
Again, the apolipoprotein can be divided into two types – apoB – 48 and apoB – 100. While the former is responsible for your gut health, the latter constitutes your liver. The primary function of apoB – 48 is to carry cholesterol and fat into your liver. In the liver, both the cholesterol and fat are combined and repackaged with the apoB – 100. It is from here that they are released into the whole body.
Purpose of an apolipoprotein B test
The higher the number of apolipoproteins in your blood, the more is a person at risk of a heart attack. Each cholesterol has one apoB cell in it. So, when you get the apolipoprotein test done, it means you can easily get the result of the total amount of bad cholesterol or lipoprotein present in your body. There can be several reasons for which your doctor might ask you to get an apolipoprotein test. However, the common causes of apolipoprotein tests include the following:
- To monitor the treatment
- If there is a family history of heart issues
- If you have diagnosed a heart issue previously
- If the level of cholesterol or blood fats in the body is high
However, if you are a heart patient, only getting the apolipoprotein test is not enough. To understand the condition of your heart and how it can be treated, the doctor might ask you to undergo these tests as well:
- Triglyceride levels
- Cholesterol levels
- Low-density lipoprotein rates
- Presence of good cholesterol
Along with these, the doctor may check your lipid profiles to ensure the overall condition of your heart. Since it is a matter of the heart, both the doctor and you should not take any risks.
Procedures for apolipoprotein test
The way an apoB test is done is very similar to that of any other kind of blood test. First, the lab physician will tie an elastic band around your arm. The purpose of tying this elastic band is to ensure that the physician gets the vein on the arm at ease. Also, the tighter you tie the band, the less tingling sensation you feel when the injection is injected. If the doctor has advised you to get the lipid panel tested, you have to stop taking any meals at least 12 hours before the test. During this fasting, you can only consume water.
Results of apolipoprotein test
Normally, there is no risk of heart disease when the apolipoprotein measurement in the blood is lower than 100 mg/dL. If the results of your apolipoprotein are normal, it means you are at low risk of facing a heart attack. However, people with abnormal apoB test results can be at risk of certain health issues.
When the apoB test results are higher than 110 mg/dL, it is said to be abnormal apolipoprotein. However, there are some health conditions that cause a high level of apolipoprotein. They include pregnancy, diabetes, underactive thyroid and kidney disease. Again, when the results of apolipoprotein are lower than the normal range, it is a threat to your health. The causes of low levels of apolipoprotein in the blood include malnutrition, liver scarring, Reye syndrome, overactive thyroid, severe sickness and many more.
Indeed, the apolipoprotein in the blood can be affected due to health issues. However, following an unruly lifestyle can also adversely affect the apolipoprotein rate in the blood. These lifestyle factors include beta-blockers, a high-fat diet, thyroid medications, particular medications and drugs, hormone drugs, surgery and many more. Here, there is an important factor that you need to keep in mind. Besides the apoB test cost, its results may vary from one lab to another.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea about the apoB test, it is time for you to check if your heart is at risk of facing an attack soon. If you experience any kind of abnormality in the heart, do not hesitate to reach out to the doctor. Remember, the more time you take to start the treatment, the more damage will your heart become.