The One Heart-Related Blood Test People Over 50 Should Get in January, According to a Cardiologist
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Preventive health care appointments often get postponed due to busy schedules, but scheduling all key appointments in January can help ensure they get done throughout the year and improve health tracking.
- Adults aged 50 and older are advised to get an ApoB blood test, which provides a more accurate assessment of heart disease risk than traditional cholesterol tests by measuring apolipoprotein B linked to artery plaque buildup.
- Traditional cholesterol tests measure HDL and LDL levels, but ApoB testing can reveal hidden cardiovascular risks and is especially recommended every couple of years for those between 45 and 65 or annually after 65, depending on risk factors.
- High ApoB levels (above 130 mg/dL) indicate increased heart disease risk, prompting lifestyle changes such as
