Cardiology - Apolipoprotein A-I

The Apolipoproteins are the main form of protein found in High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). The main role of APO A-I is in the activation of Lecithin Cholesterol Acyl Transferase (LCAT) and removal of free cholesterol from extra hepatic tissues. APO A-I may therefore be described as non atherogenic, showing an inverse relationship to cardiovascular risk.

APO A-I may be measured in patients with a personal or family history of high concentrations of lipids and/or premature CHD. It may be requested to find out the cause of high lipid levels and/or a suspected disorder that is causing a deficiency in APO A-I. APO A-I can be used with APO B-100 to check your ratio of “good” to “bad” cholesterol