There are four main classes of lipoproteins, three of which contain apolipoprotein B (apoB), known for their association with heart disease risk due to their potential to deposit cholesterol in blood vessel walls.

The study emphasizes the importance of lipoprotein(a), a genetically inherited lipid that significantly elevates heart disease risk and should be included in risk assessments.

Blood tests for apoB and lipoprotein(a) are currently available, affordable, and easy to implement, representing a potential revolution in heart health screening.

Traditional cholesterol tests typically measure total cholesterol levels but fail to account for the harmful effects of lipoprotein carriers that transport cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Conducted by researchers from Chalmers University of Technology and Harvard University, the study analyzed over 200,000 blood samples from individuals with no prior history of heart disease.

High levels of 'bad cholesterol' can lead to plaque formation in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

A recent study reveals that measuring apoB-containing lipoprotein particles offers a more accurate prediction of heart disease risk compared to traditional cholesterol tests.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading global cause of death, highlighting the urgent need for early risk detection and prevention strategies.

The findings indicate that standard cholesterol tests may underestimate heart disease risk in about 8% of patients, which is critical given that 20-40% of first-time cardiovascular disease cases can be fatal.

Current UK protocols for assessing heart disease risk involve checking blood pressure, family history, and cholesterol levels, but may overlook some patients at risk.

Early detection of cardiovascular disease is crucial, as many cases can be prevented by addressing lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

The research team comprised experts from various institutions across Sweden, Poland, the USA, and Finland, showcasing a significant collaborative effort.