Total Cholesterol
B = All Lipoproteins containing an ApoB100 (non-HDL Cholesterol)
Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is the major apolipoprotein of all atherogenic particles i.e total apo B represents the sum of all atherogenic particles in the blood. Studies have clearly indicated it as a better predictor of coronary artery disease than total LDL cholesterol in select patients, namely those patients with cardiometabolic risk (i.e. insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome). Total apo B has been shown to have a strong predictive power for severity of coronary atherosclerosis and CHD events.
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A = All Lipoproteins containing an ApoAI &/or AII (HDL Cholesterol)
The major apoproteins of HDL are apo AI and apoAII. However, currently apoAI is of most interest as it is the major apoprotein that is linked to CAD reduction. Interestingly as well is the fact that people with normal HDL can still have low apoAI levels which predispose them to CAD risk. In fact, if one has high HDL i.e. >60mg/dL this could be a sign of nonfunctional HDL and these patients should have their apoAI numbers checked.
