Normal range: 80 – 175 mg/dL (higher is better)
ApoA1 is a more accurate HDL. Each HDL particle contains exactly one ApoA1 molecule. ApoA1 is often considered the 'good' cholesterol particle because it helps remove cholesterol from artery walls and carry it back to the liver for disposal.
On its own, ApoA1 costs about $50 but is usually measured in a panel alongside ApoB ($50), Vitamin D ($75), hs-CRP ($69), and Ferritin ($45). You can test ApoA1 and 100 other biomarkers for $190 as part of an Empirical membership.
ApoA1 is typically billed under CPT 82172, which is the code to give your insurer when you check coverage. Empirical is FSA/HSA eligible, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars. Fast for 8-12 hours beforehand for the most accurate lipid and metabolic results, and expect results in days rather than weeks.
ApoA1 is a protein associated with heart disease risk.
Apolipoprotein A1 tends to rise with age (correlation with age, r = +0.15). The chart below shows the median by 5-year age bin and a linear trend line.
A normal ApoA1 is 80 – 175 mg/dL. Higher is better.
Low ApoA1 is commonly caused by a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and diets high in trans fats. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance suppress HDL production, dragging ApoA1 down with it. Uncontrolled diabetes and obesity are strong drivers.
Certain medications such as beta-blockers and anabolic steroids can lower ApoA1. Genetic factors also play a role, as some people naturally produce less regardless of lifestyle.
Regular aerobic exercise is the single most effective way to raise ApoA1. Quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and replacing trans and saturated fats with unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado, fatty fish) also help. Moderate alcohol intake raises ApoA1 slightly, but the overall health risks of alcohol generally outweigh this benefit. Niacin (vitamin B3) can raise ApoA1, though it has fallen out of favor due to side effects.
ApoA1 is most highly correlated with HDL Cholesterol and Total Cholesterol. Here are the top biomarkers correlated with ApoA1, based on 500,000 tests done by Empirical Health.
The percentage shows how strongly two biomarkers move together. A higher number means the relationship is stronger. Green = rises and falls together. Orange = one rises as the other falls.
ApoA1 is drawn at 2,200+ Quest and BioReference patient service centers across the US, so there's usually one within a short drive. Browse the full directory to find the one closest to you.
Test your Apolipoprotein A1 and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.
