ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio
The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio compares the number of atherogenic particles (ApoB) with the number of HDL particles (ApoA1) and strongly predicts cardiovascular events. In studies like INTERHEART, this ratio outperformed standard lipid panels for predicting heart attack risk worldwide. Targets vary with risk, with values near 0.7 or lower generally considered favorable.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Institution or study<0.8INTERHEART and related risk studies
- Lab reference intervalNo established lab reference interval (calculated ratio)What a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
1 providers include this
Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health
Why ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio matters
ApoB is found on atherogenic particles; ApoA1 on protective HDL. This ratio reflects the balance between harmful and protective lipoproteins. A strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, especially in metabolic syndrome.
Reading a ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio result
The ratio sets ApoB, which reflects the number of LDL and other atherogenic particles (ARUP), against ApoA1 on the HDL side. In the INTERHEART case-control study across 52 countries, people in the top fifth of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio had 3.25 times the odds of a heart attack of those in the bottom fifth.
What pushes it up
- A diet high in saturated fat
- Smoking, which lowers HDL
- Overweight, low physical activity and diabetes
- Inherited lipid disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia
What brings it down
- Stopping smoking
- Regular exercise and weight loss
- Statins and other lipid-lowering drugs
What to check next
- ApoB and ApoA1 individually
- Lipoprotein(a); MedlinePlus lists 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher as a separate reason to consider medicine
- Blood glucose, kidney function and thyroid tests when lipids are abnormal (MedlinePlus)
Sources: Yusuf et al., INTERHEART, Lancet 2004 (PMID 15364185); ARUP Consult: ASCVD risk assessment; MedlinePlus: High blood cholesterol levels; MedlinePlus: HDL, the good cholesterol. Checked against these sources 2026-09-23. General information, not medical advice; your lab's reference interval and your clinician's reading take precedence.
Which Providers Test ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio?
Of the panels we itemize, only Empirical Health ($190/year, 100+ biomarkers) includes ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio.
1 panel that includes it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $190 | 100+ | $1.90 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
20 itemized panels do not include ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio
Superpower · WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Mito Health · InsideTracker · Function Health · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Marek Health Complete · Marek Health Executive · Blueprint · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Vitality Blueprint Standard · Vitality Blueprint Elite · Ultrahuman Blood Vision Annual
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio?
Published position: <0.8 (INTERHEART and related risk studies). No established lab reference interval (calculated ratio).
Which blood test providers include ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio?
1 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence; HRV Zone tracks recovery trends.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Sep 23, 2026 · First published Nov 30, 2025