Heart Disease Risk: New Test Predicts Likelihood
- A new study indicates that measuring lipoprotein markers, specifically apoB and lipoprotein(a), through a simple blood test could offer a more precise assessment of individual heart disease risk...
- Cardiovascular diseases (cvds) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Association.Early detection of risk factors, including high blood cholesterol, is crucial for implementing...
- High blood cholesterol, a major controllable risk factor, can lead to plaque buildup in blood vessels, perhaps causing heart attack or stroke.
A groundbreaking study reveals a new blood test that could revolutionize heart disease risk assessment. Learn how measuring apoB levels and lipoprotein(a) provides a more precise indication than conventional cholesterol tests. This innovative approach, developed by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and Harvard University, targets the number of “bad cholesterol” particles, offering a clearer picture of cardiovascular health. Highlighting the limitations of conventional methods, the research emphasizes the importance of early detection and proactive strategies. By switching to apoB testing, we can improve accuracy and perhaps save lives. News Directory 3 delivers the latest findings on this critical advance in preventive medicine. The availability of this test marks a notable step forward in heart health.discover what’s next for heart disease prevention and management.
Improved Cholesterol Testing Could Better Predict Heart Disease Risk
Updated May 26, 2025
A new study indicates that measuring lipoprotein markers, specifically apoB and lipoprotein(a), through a simple blood test could offer a more precise assessment of individual heart disease risk than standard cholesterol tests. Researchers from chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and Harvard University in the U.S. led the study.
Cardiovascular diseases (cvds) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Association.Early detection of risk factors, including high blood cholesterol, is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies.
High blood cholesterol, a major controllable risk factor, can lead to plaque buildup in blood vessels, perhaps causing heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is transported in the blood by lipoproteins, including “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol.”
The study suggests focusing on the number of lipoprotein carriers, rather than just the cholesterol levels themselves, provides a better indicator of future cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 200,000 participants in the UK Biobank, tracking them for up to 15 years. The findings were validated in a separate Swedish study.
Jakub Morze, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at Chalmers, saeid measuring apoB, wich indicates the total number of “bad cholesterol” particles, offers a more accurate test than standard cholesterol measures.
“We found that apoB is the best marker when testing for risk of heart disease… By switching to apoB testing, we can improve that accuracy and potentially save lives.”
the study also highlights the importance of testing for lipoprotein(a), a genetically inherited lipoprotein that can significantly elevate heart disease risk in some individuals. While it represents a small fraction of “bad cholesterol” lipoproteins, high levels can be especially hazardous.
Clemens Wittenbecher, assistant professor of precision medicine and diagnostics at Chalmers, suggests apoB particle count could eventually replace the standard blood cholesterol test. He added that testing for lipoprotein(a) is also needed for a better picture of lipid-related CVD risk. The blood test for these two markers is commercially available now and would be cheap and easy enough to implement.
What’s next
Researchers hope these findings will lead to wider adoption of apoB and lipoprotein(a) testing, improving heart disease risk assessment and potentially saving lives through earlier intervention.