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Atherogenic Lipoprotein Particle Number

Meaning

This metric represents the total concentration of circulating lipoprotein particles capable of initiating or promoting atherosclerosis within the arterial wall. Specifically, it quantifies the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants, and lipoprotein(a) particles, which are the primary carriers of cholesterol into the subendothelial space. A high particle number, even with normal cholesterol mass, signifies an elevated cardiovascular risk due to increased opportunity for vascular wall penetration. This measurement is considered a more precise risk predictor than traditional cholesterol mass measurements.