New heart disease marker

Cholesterol in blood has been believed to be the most powerful indicator of heart disease. More risk of heart disease is associated with increased levels of total amount cholesterol in blood. The relationship between LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein)or 'bad' cholesterol and HDL(High-Density Lipoprotein) or 'good' cholesterol is also an important marker. However, researchers in Canada and Sweden are now putting the spotlight on a related lipid molecule called apolipoprotein, which they believe is a more accurate predictor of heart disease than cholesterol. Researchers surveyed extensive medical literature to conclude that apolipoprotein B levels are a more accurate indicator of who is most at risk of heart disease than cholesterol levels. They also say that the apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-1 level is important. This is all especially true for patients on statin therapy to lower cholesterol. According to researchers, combining statin therapy with monitoring of apolipoprotein B could be a more effective way of preventing heart disease than the current cholesterol-based approach.