Glossary term

ApoB

Also known as Apolipoprotein B - Apolipoprotein B-100

The single most predictive cardiovascular marker. Target under 80 mg/dL for average risk, under 60 if you have Lp(a) or diabetes.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) appears as exactly one copy on every atherogenic lipoprotein - LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a). Counting particles directly beats counting cholesterol inside them, which is why preventive cardiology has moved from LDL-C to ApoB. MESA and UK Biobank data tie every 20 mg/dL drop in ApoB to ~30% lower event risk. General target: under 80 mg/dL. If Lp(a) is over 50 mg/dL, or you have T2D or established heart disease, target is under 60. Run ApoB in the Advanced panel before any longevity or metabolic conversation.

Symbol

ApoB

Unit

mg/dL

Typical range

Primary prevention target commonly < 90 mg/dL; high-risk target < 80; very-high-risk < 60.

Medically reviewed byDr. Lena Okafor, MD

Medical Director - updated April 2026 - How we review