Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction (PPI) Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
Apolipoprotein B levels and related factors in a rural white South African community--the CORIS study. Coronary Risk
K Steyn1, J E Rossouw, M J Weight
1Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Programme, Medical Research Council, Parowvallel, W. Cape.
Insights
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) may predict coronary heart disease (CHD) risk better than cholesterol. However, its routine use for screening is discouraged due to cost and measurement variability.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular disease research
- Lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis
- Public health and epidemiology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Accurate risk assessment is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a key component of atherogenic lipoproteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels as a predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- To identify other CHD risk factors associated with apoB.
- To compare apoB with traditional lipid markers for CHD risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analytical study utilizing questionnaires, electrocardiography, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements.
- Analysis of lipid profiles, including apolipoprotein B (apoB) and total cholesterol (TC).
- Inclusion of 1,528 white respondents aged 15-68 years from the Coronary Risk Factor Study (CORIS).
Main Results:
- Men exhibited higher mean apoB levels than women.
- ApoB and TC classifications for CHD risk showed discordance in 39-41.5% of participants.
- Higher apoB risk categories correlated with increased prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, elevated TC, LDL, triglycerides, BMI, and body fat percentage.
- Stepwise multiple regression accounted for 84.9% (men) and 85.8% (women) of apoB variation.
Conclusions:
- Apolipoprotein B (apoB) may offer superior prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk compared to TC or LDL cholesterol.
- Despite its potential, routine screening use of apoB is not recommended.
- Factors such as cost, measurement variability, and similar management approaches to TC discourage widespread apoB screening.
Objective:
In a survey of the Coronary Risk Factor Study (CORIS), apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels were determined to ascertain their impact on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Other CHD risk factors associated with apoB were also identified.
Design:
Cross-sectional analytical study, which included CHD risk factor and dietary questionnaires, electrocardiography, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and a blood sample for a lipid profile.
Setting And Participants:
The three districts of Riversdale, Robertson and Swellendam in the south-western Cape; a 25% random sample of 1,528 white respondents aged 15-68 years.
Results:
Men tended to have higher mean apoB levels than women. Classification of CHD risk by apoB levels and total cholesterol (TC) levels did not correspond, as only 61% of men and 58.5% of women were classified in the same risk categories. Respondents in the highest apoB risk category reported a medical history of hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension more frequently than those in lower categories. There was a significant increase from the low to the high apoB risk category of TC, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride levels, body mass index and percentage body fat. Using stepwise multiple regression, 84.9% of the variation in apoB of men and 85.8% in apoB of women were accounted for by significantly associated variables.
Conclusion:
Although apoB may be a better predictor of CHD than TC or LDL cholesterol concentrations, its easy approximation with the formula (TC-HDLC)/2 + 20, high cost, measurement variability and an approach in management similar to that for raised TC discourage its routine use in the screening of patients for CHD.
More Related Videos
07:29Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
04:43COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah
Published on: June 24, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:29Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...