Description

Studies show that 60% to 70% of the proteins in HDL are made up of Apolipoprotein A-1. Apo A-1 turns on LCAT, which helps move cholesterol from tissues throughout the body to the liver, where it is broken down. Low serum HDL cholesterol levels have been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, Apo A-1 may be a better indicator of CAD than HDL, especially in females.

The Apo A-1 level can also be used to help find out if someone has Tangier disease, which is the absence of alpha-lipoprotein.