Apo C
Also known as Apolipoprotein C BloodWhat is this test?
Apolipoprotein C Blood Test measures the amount Apolipoprotein C in the blood. This test helps to determine the risk of heart diseases.
What is Apolipoprotein C?
Apolipoprotein C or Apo C is a protein present in the body. It is the main protein component of chylomicrons, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the bad cholesterol), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the good cholesterol).
Lipids cannot dissolve in blood by itself. Apolipoproteins combine with lipid to form lipoproteins and help in the transport of lipids throughout the bloodstream. Lipoproteins are spherical in structure and are of four (4) types. Each type of lipoprotein has its own characteristic protein and lipid composition. They are the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and chylomicrons.
Apolipoprotein C is consists of four apolipoproteins namely C1, C2, C3, and C4. These proteins help in the breakdown of triglycerides rich lipoproteins (TG-rich lipoproteins) by activating lipoprotein lipase. Lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme that helps to remove triglycerides from the lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein C activates lipoprotein lipase enzyme and helps to remove the triglycerides from the lipoproteins. Increased levels of triglycerides rich lipoproteins may cause cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases).
Assessing the levels of Apolipoprotein C directly reflects the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases). Therefore low levels than the normal range of Apolipoprotein C in the blood may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases).
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to determine whether you have normal or abnormal levels of Apolipoprotein C in the blood. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases or if you are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
You may be advised to perform this test to diagnose the cause of abnormal lipid levels, especially when someone has elevated triglyceride levels. This test is recommended to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in individuals receiving treatment for high cholesterol.
How often this test is performed?
If you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases) your doctor may ask to perform this test in a 6 monthly or a yearly basis. If you are diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases), then you may have to perform this test on a regular basis as instructed by the doctor.
Also known as Apo C Blood, Apolipoprotein C.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Apo C. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Apo C.
You may ask to fast (without eating anything) for a whole night or for up to 9 to 12 hours. Usually, the blood is drawn in the morning after an overnight fasting. However, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
If the test results show low levels of Apo- C than the normal range it may indicate the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with a rare inherited disorder called familial apolipoprotein C-II deficiency (a condition where Apo C-II is absent) may also show decreased or no Apo-C levels in the blood.
High levels of Apo-C in the blood is not very common. Apo-C levels may increase until the age of 60 years in women and 40 years in men. Women who are obese (overweight) may also show high levels of Apo-C levels in their blood.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 3 - 5 mg/dl |