Heart Health Glossary

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

A protein found on the surface of many cholesterol-carrying particles in your blood, including LDL and VLDL. ApoB directly counts the total number of these potentially artery-clogging particles, making it a key indicator of heart health risk according to many experts.

LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol / LDL-C)

Often called “bad” cholesterol. LDL particles transport cholesterol to cells. When levels are high, excess LDL particles can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing your risk of heart disease.

HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol / HDL-C)

Often called “good” cholesterol. HDL particles help remove cholesterol from your arteries and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. Higher levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk.

Triglycerides (TG)

A type of fat (lipid) found in your blood that your body uses for energy. High triglyceride levels can be a risk factor for heart disease and are often influenced by diet (especially sugars, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol), overall calorie balance, and lifestyle. Very high levels (e.g., >500 mg/dL) also increase the risk of pancreatitis.

Total Cholesterol (TC)

A measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL-C, HDL-C, and other lipid components like VLDL. While a common part of a lipid panel, doctors often focus more on the individual components (like ApoB, LDL-C, HDL-C, Non-HDL-C) for a clearer risk assessment.

Non-HDL Cholesterol (Non-HDL-C)

Calculated as Total Cholesterol minus HDL Cholesterol (TC - HDL-C). It represents the cholesterol content in all the potentially atherogenic (plaque-forming) lipoproteins, including LDL, VLDL, and IDL. It's considered a good secondary marker of risk, especially when triglycerides are high.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]

A specific type of ApoB-containing lipoprotein that is largely genetically determined and is an independent risk factor for heart disease. High Lp(a) can increase risk even if other cholesterol numbers look good. Testing is often recommended at least once in a lifetime.

Atherogenic Particles / Artery-Clogging Particles

Lipoproteins (particles that carry fats like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood) that have the potential to enter the artery wall and contribute to the formation of plaque (atherosclerosis). ApoB is a marker for the total number of these particles.

Plaque (Arterial Plaque / Atherosclerosis)

The buildup of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in and on your artery walls. This buildup can restrict blood flow and, if it ruptures, can lead to blood clots causing heart attacks or strokes.

Cardiovascular Risk / Heart Health Risk

The likelihood of developing diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attacks, strokes, or other forms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Saturated Fat

A type of dietary fat that is typically solid at room temperature. Found primarily in animal products (fatty meats, butter, cheese, full-fat dairy) and some plant oils (coconut oil, palm oil). High intake can raise LDL cholesterol and ApoB levels.

Unsaturated Fats (Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated)

Types of dietary fats that are typically liquid at room temperature.

• Monounsaturated Fats (MUFAs): Found in olive oil, avocados, nuts (almonds, pecans). Considered heart-healthy.
• Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs): Include Omega-3 (from fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts) and Omega-6 fatty acids (from some vegetable oils, nuts, seeds). Generally considered heart-healthy when consumed in balance.

Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats is generally recommended for heart health.

Soluble Fiber

A type of dietary fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. It can help lower LDL cholesterol by binding to cholesterol and preventing its absorption. Found in foods like oats, barley, psyllium, beans, apples, and citrus fruits.

Refined Carbohydrates

Grains and sugars that have been processed, removing much of their natural fiber and nutrients (e.g., white bread, white rice, white pasta, sugary cereals, pastries). They are quickly digested and can contribute to spikes in blood sugar and triglycerides.

Simple Sugars (Added Sugars)

Sugars and syrups added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation (e.g., sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup found in sodas, candy, desserts, many processed foods). High intake can contribute to elevated triglycerides and other health issues.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)

A disease characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries, leading to conditions like coronary heart disease (causing heart attacks) and cerebrovascular disease (causing strokes).

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Very high triglyceride levels (typically >500 mg/dL, and especially >1000 mg/dL) are a known risk factor for acute pancreatitis.

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score

A non-invasive test using a special CT scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart. A higher score indicates more plaque and a higher risk of future heart events. Often used to refine risk assessment.

Optimal / Normal / Borderline / High / Low (as displayLabels)

These are simplified categories we use to help you quickly understand where your lipid numbers fall based on general clinical guidelines.

• Optimized: Generally the ideal range for lowest risk.
• Normal: A generally healthy range, but not always the absolute optimal target for everyone, especially those aiming for proactive prevention.
• Borderline: Indicates levels that are beginning to move outside the optimal/normal range and may warrant attention or lifestyle changes.
• High: Indicates levels that are significantly above optimal/normal and are associated with increased health risk.
• Low: Used for HDL cholesterol, indicating levels below the optimal protective range.

It's important to discuss these categories and your specific targets with your doctor.