ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio

Lipid PanelHeart & VesselsBlood

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio compares the number of atherogenic particles (ApoB — one per LDL, VLDL, Lp(a)) to anti-atherogenic particles (ApoA1 — primary HDL protein). This single ratio captures the balance between cholesterol deposition in arteries and cholesterol removal from arteries.

Why it matters: The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is one of the strongest predictors of myocardial infarction, outperforming traditional lipid ratios in the INTERHEART study across 52 countries. A high ratio means the balance tips toward atherosclerosis progression. It integrates both sides of lipid metabolism into one actionable number.

Reference Range
< 0.9
0.9NormalHigh
Symptoms of Low ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio
Typically without noticeable symptoms
Symptoms of High ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio
Typically without noticeable symptoms
What Moves It

May increase with:

Rising LDL particle count
Falling HDL particle count
Metabolic syndrome
Insulin resistance
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle

May decrease with:

Statins
Exercise
Weight loss
Smoking cessation
Mediterranean diet
Omega-3 fatty acids
Associated Conditions
Cardiovascular diseaseMyocardial infarctionMetabolic syndromeAtherosclerosis
Related Markers
Apolipoprotein BApolipoprotein A1LDL CholesterolHDL Cholesterol
Common questions

What is ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio?

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio compares the number of atherogenic particles (ApoB — one per LDL, VLDL, Lp(a)) to anti-atherogenic particles (ApoA1 — primary HDL protein). This single ratio captures the balance between cholesterol deposition in arteries and cholesterol removal from arteries.

What might a high or low ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio mean?

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is one of the strongest predictors of myocardial infarction, outperforming traditional lipid ratios in the INTERHEART study across 52 countries. A high ratio means the balance tips toward atherosclerosis progression. It integrates both sides of lipid metabolism into one actionable number.

What is the typical reference range for ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio?

The general-population reference range shown here is < 0.9 . Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio?

It may be higher with: Rising LDL particle count, Falling HDL particle count, Metabolic syndrome, Insulin resistance, Smoking, Sedentary lifestyle. It may be lower with: Statins, Exercise, Weight loss, Smoking cessation, Mediterranean diet, Omega-3 fatty acids.

More in Lipid Panel
Apolipoprotein A1Apolipoprotein BHDL CholesterolLDL CholesterolLipoprotein(a)Non-HDL CholesterolRemnant CholesterolTotal CholesterolTriglyceridesVLDL Cholesterol

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