ApoB, LDL-C, Lp(a), and insulin as risk factors for cardiovascular disease [AMA 43 sneak peek]

Summary

In this episode of the Drive podcast, the host Peter Attia answers questions related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in an AMA session. The questions are compiled from previous podcast episodes that discussed various factors that contribute to an increased risk of ASCVD, such as APO B, LP little a, insulin, smoking, and hypertension. The host uses a race car analogy to explain how these factors affect the risk of ASCVD.

He emphasizes the importance of knowing APO B concentration as a better predictor of risk than LDL cholesterol concentration. APO B is a protein that is found in LDL cholesterol particles, and it is responsible for transporting cholesterol to the tissues. The higher the APO B concentration, the more LDL cholesterol particles are present in the blood, which increases the risk of ASCVD.

The host also briefly touches on the relationship between insulin levels and other lipid parameters such as APO B and LDL cholesterol. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose metabolism, and it also plays a role in lipid metabolism. High insulin levels can lead to an increase in APO B concentration, which in turn increases the risk of ASCVD.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the different factors that contribute to an increased risk of ASCVD and emphasizes the importance of knowing APO B concentration as a better predictor of risk than LDL cholesterol concentration. The host's use of a race car analogy makes the concepts easy to understand, and the episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about ASCVD and its risk factors.