28/07/2026 22:48 - Salud
Published on July 28, 2026
Taking care of our heart is a constant priority, and science continues to advance to offer us better tools. For years, the analysis of LDL cholesterol has been the standard for assessing cardiovascular risk. However, an innovative study indicates that the ApoB test could be the key to much more effective and hopeful prevention.
What is the ApoB test? Unlike the traditional analysis that indirectly estimates bad cholesterol, the ApoB test directly measures the number of harmful particles (apolipoprotein B) traveling in the blood that are responsible for forming plaque in the arteries. It is like counting the exact number of vehicles on a highway, rather than just estimating their presence.
A study published in the prestigious journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), led by researcher Ciaran Kohli-Lynch, used simulations with a sample of 250,000 US adults at risk. The findings are truly promising: guiding medical treatment using the ApoB test prevents more heart attacks and strokes than classical methods.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology already include the ApoB test in their recommendations for more patients. According to cardiologist Samuel Kim (NewYork-Presbyterian), insurance coverage is gradually improving as its value is recognized.
Dr. Catherine Weinberg, director of congenital heart disease at Lenox Hill Hospital, explains that a patient might have normal LDL levels and still show elevated ApoB. Detecting this in time allows for adjusting medication doses to ensure optimal cardiovascular protection.
This breakthrough reminds us that medicine always seeks new ways to protect us. Asking your doctor about the possibility of including the ApoB test in your next check-up could be a great step to take care of your heart and ensure a long, healthy life.
Original source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
