Washington, July 8 (SANA)A blood test measuring apolipoprotein B (ApoB) may provide a more accurate assessment of cardiovascular disease risk than the widely used low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol test, according to a new study that could help identify patients who would benefit from more intensive preventive treatment.

The study, conducted by researchers atNorthwestern Universityand published in JAMA, found that the ApoB test measures the total number of harmful fat particles that can accumulate in arterial walls, making it a more reliable predictor of heart disease than traditional cholesterol tests.

Researchers used computer simulations involving nearly 250,000 U.S. adults eligible for primary prevention with statin therapy. They compared treatment strategies based on LDL, non-HDL cholesterol and ApoB levels, escalating treatment with higher-intensity statins and adding ezetimibe when necessary.

The study found that an ApoB-guided treatment strategy was the most effective in reducing cardiovascular risk while improving life expectancy and quality of life. It was also found to be cost-effective within theU.S. healthcare system.

Researchers said wider use of the ApoB test could help physicians better identify high-risk patients who are most likely to benefit from intensive cholesterol-lowering therapy, potentially reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease.