More accurate than HDL
Apolipoprotein A-1 is a structural protein of “good” cholesterol particles that ensures reverse transport of cholesterol from the vascular wall to the liver. Its concentration directly reflects the number of protective particles, while the HDL cholesterol level only shows the amount of cholesterol in them, which is not the same thing. Therefore, ApoA1 is considered a more accurate indicator of protective potential, especially in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, when the composition of lipoproteins is altered. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio has the greatest value: according to large studies, it predicts the risk of myocardial infarction better than traditional lipid profile indicators.
Why preparation is so important
The laboratory result is a number, but the correct number can only be obtained if the rules are followed. Eating changes the levels of glucose, lipids and a number of enzymes significantly; physical activity the day before increases CK and AST; smoking affects hormones; time of day is critical for cortisol and testosterone.
Therefore, a “bad analysis” often turns out to be a consequence of impaired preparation, and not an illness, and leads to unnecessary examinations and prescriptions.
General rules for donating blood
- on an empty stomach 8–12 hours, you can drink water
- Eliminate alcohol and intense exercise per day
- no smoking in an hour
- donate blood before physiotherapy, x-rays and massage
- Take medications in advance by agreeing with your doctor
- for hormones in women, take into account the day of the cycle
How to read the result
Reference values depend on the method and equipment of the laboratory, so it is correct to compare results only within the same laboratory. A deviation of a few percent from the normal limit in itself rarely matters - the overall picture and dynamics are important. It is up to the physician to interpret the analysis: an isolated indicator without a clinical context is often misleading.