Heart-Vital Check

Lipoprotein A is a special form of LDL cholesterol that is genetically determined. The laboratory value measures the concentration of Lp(a) in the blood and is used to assess the cardiovascular risk, especially in familial lipid metabolism disorders.

Here is the translation: A Lp(a) test is recommended for: • Persons with a family history of cardiovascular disease • Patients with abnormal LDL levels despite a healthy lifestyle • People with premature heart attacks or strokes in the family • Patients with suspected genetically-related lipid metabolism disorders

The test serves to assess the cardiovascular risk and is particularly helpful for patients whose risk is not sufficiently explained by standard lipid profiles.

An elevated Lp(a) level is an independent risk factor for: • Arteriosclerosis • Heart attack or stroke • Valve diseases of the aorta (e.g. aortic valve stenosis) A low value is unremarkable and indicates a lower risk. Symptoms with elevated values often only occur in the advanced stage and can include chest pain or shortness of breath.

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.

• Lp(a) is not influenced by lifestyle or medications such as statins, which is why specific therapies may be necessary. • A high Lp(a) value requires additional cardiovascular preventive measures. • If there is a suspicion of genetically caused lipid metabolism disorders, the entire family should be examined.

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) is a major component of HDL cholesterol and plays a central role in the transport of cholesterol to the liver. The laboratory value measures the concentration of ApoA1 in the blood and is used to assess cardiovascular risk.

An ApoA1 test is recommended for: • Persons with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases • Patients with abnormal lipid profiles (e.g. low HDL cholesterol) • Monitoring of patients with known arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases • Persons with familial lipid metabolism disorders

The test serves to assess the risk of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as to monitor the success of therapy for lipid metabolism disorders.

A low ApoA1 value can indicate an increased risk for: • Arteriosclerosis • Heart attack • Stroke. A high ApoA1 value is associated with a lower cardiovascular risk. Symptoms of lipid metabolism disorders are often non-specific, but may include fatigue or weight gain.

The testing should be carried out in a fasting state in order not to influence the values through food intake.

ApoA1 is a more specific marker than HDL cholesterol alone to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. • The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is often used to assess the ratio of "bad" to "good" cholesterol. • Genetic factors can influence ApoA1 levels, independent of diet or lifestyle.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a major component of the lipoprotein-rich fractions LDL, IDL, and VLDL, which transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. The laboratory value measures the concentration of ApoB in the blood and is a marker for the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

A ApoB test is recommended for: • Persons with an increased risk of arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases • Patients with conspicuous LDL cholesterol levels • Monitoring of patients with lipid metabolism disorders or familial hypercholesterolemia • Patients with existing cardiovascular diseases for therapy monitoring

The test serves to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases and is a more specific marker than LDL cholesterol alone to assess the risk of arteriosclerosis. It is also used to monitor the success of lipid-lowering therapies.

An elevated ApoB value indicates an increased risk for: • Arteriosclerosis • Heart attack or stroke • Metabolic syndrome A low value is generally harmless and indicates a low number of lipoprotein-rich particles. Symptoms of an elevated ApoB value often do not appear until later and can include arteriosclerosis-related complaints such as chest pain (angina pectoris).

The testing should be carried out in a fasting state in order to maximize the informative value of the value, as food intake can influence the values in the short term.

The ApoB value is often more accurate than LDL cholesterol, as it directly measures the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles. • The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk and is often used as a supplementary measure. • Lifestyle changes such as a low-fat diet, exercise, and medication can lower ApoB values.