Home Biomarkers Apo A

Apo A

Cardiac profile Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Cardiac profile

Overview

Apo A (usually measured as apolipoprotein A‑I or Apo A1) is the main protein component of high‑density lipoprotein (HDL). The test measures the blood concentration of Apo A1, reflecting HDL particle number and reverse cholesterol transport capacity. Low Apo A1 suggests reduced HDL-mediated cholesterol removal and is associated with higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Indications for testing include assessment of cardiovascular risk, abnormal routine lipid panel (low HDL or high LDL), premature coronary disease in family, or monitoring lipid‑raising/suppressing therapy. Levels vary with age, sex (women typically have slightly higher Apo A1), hormonal status, pregnancy and certain ethnic backgrounds.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: included in cardiac/lipid or advanced cardiovascular risk profiles.
Symptoms/indications: unexplained chest pain, family history of premature heart disease, abnormal routine lipids.
Diagnoses/monitoring: assesses ASCVD risk and monitors lipid‑modifying treatment response.
Reasons for abnormal levels: genetic disorders, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, inflammation, medications, lifestyle.
Biological meaning: low Apo A1 = reduced HDL protection; high Apo A1 usually indicates better reverse cholesterol transport.
Lifestyle/family history: smoking, obesity, inactivity, poor diet, and family history of premature CAD justify testing.

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Understanding Test Results

Values <1.0 g/L (<100 mg/dL) are considered low and correlate with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; markedly low levels (<0.8 g/L or <80 mg/dL) raise concern for severe dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome or liver disease.
Values within 1.0–1.6 g/L (100–160 mg/dL) are typical/acceptable for most adults.
Values >1.6 g/L (>160 mg/dL) are generally protective and may reflect good HDL function or genetic hyperalphalipoproteinemia; very high values (>2.0 g/L) are uncommon and usually not harmful but warrant evaluation for familial causes.
Abnormal results prompt correlation with full lipid panel, clinical context and evaluation for secondary causes (thyroid, liver, kidney, inflammation) and guide lifestyle or pharmacologic interventions.

Normal Range

1.0-1.6 g/L OR 100-160 mg/dL

FAQs

Q: What is an apo a?

A: Apolipoprotein A (apo A), mainly apoA‑I, is the primary protein of high‑density lipoprotein (HDL). It helps collect cholesterol from tissues and transport it to the liver for removal (reverse cholesterol transport), and has anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Higher apo A levels generally link to cardiovascular protection, while low levels are associated with increased heart disease risk; levels are measured by blood tests.

Q: What is apo A and apo B?

A: Apolipoprotein A (mainly apoA‑I) is the primary protein of HDL; it promotes reverse cholesterol transport from tissues to the liver and is anti-atherogenic. Apolipoprotein B (mainly apoB‑100) is the main protein of VLDL/LDL and indicates the number of atherogenic particles; higher apoB signifies increased cardiovascular risk. The apoA/apoB ratio helps assess lipid-related heart disease risk.

Q: Is apo a the same as LPA?

A: No—apo A and Lp(a) are different. Apo A (mainly apoA‑I) is the principal apolipoprotein of HDL that helps remove cholesterol and is generally protective. Lp(a) is a distinct LDL‑like particle containing apolipoprotein(a) bound to apoB‑100; high Lp(a) levels increase cardiovascular risk. They are separate entities and are measured and interpreted differently.

Q: How serious is high lipoprotein A?

A: High lipoprotein(a) usually defined as >50 mg/dL (≈125 nmol/L) is an independent, largely genetic risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis. Elevated Lp(a) increases lifetime risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s lifelong and not much changed by lifestyle; specific Lp(a)-lowering options are limited, so clinicians focus on aggressive control of LDL, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking cessation, and specialist assessment.

Q: Is an APO a gazetted officer?

A: “Gazetted officer” means an official whose appointment is published in the government gazette (typically Group A and some Group B posts). An APO (Assistant Public/Postal/Police Officer, by context) is usually a non‑gazetted post. It becomes gazetted only if the appointing authority’s gazette notification explicitly lists that APO grade as gazetted. Check the specific appointment notification for confirmation.

Q: What is the normal range for lipoprotein A1?

A: Apolipoprotein A1 (often reported as lipoprotein A1 or ApoA‑I) typical reference ranges: men ~1.2–1.6 g/L (120–160 mg/dL) and women ~1.4–2.0 g/L (140–200 mg/dL). Exact cutoffs depend on the laboratory and assay. Higher ApoA‑I generally reflects healthier HDL function; check your lab’s reference range and discuss results with your clinician for guidance.