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ApoB unit conversion

ApoB Unit Conversion nmol/L to mg/dL

Understanding ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) levels is crucial in assessing cardiovascular risk. However, the interpretation can be challenging due to the different units used in reporting these levels. In clinical practice, ApoB concentrations are often measured in nmol/L, but in some cases, converting these readings to mg/dL is required for a more standardized comparison or patient understanding. 

This post introduces a user-friendly calculator to accurately convert ApoB levels from nmol/L to mg/dL, simplifying this process for healthcare professionals and patients.

Introduction

As ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) maintains a consistent molecular weight across various atherogenic particles such as LDL, IDL, VLDL, and Lp(a) — approximately 550 kDa (550,000 g/mol) — we have a reliable basis for converting its concentration from nmol/L to mg/dL. The nmol/L measurement indicates the number of ApoB particles per litre of blood, while mg/dL represents the weight of these molecules in a deciliter of blood. To illustrate the conversion of ApoB from nmol/L to mg/dL using a molecular weight of 550 kDa (or 550,000 g/mol), let’s break down the calculation into clear steps:

Convert nmol/L to mol/L:
1 nmol/L of ApoB equals 1×10-9 mol/L

Convert mol/L to g/L:
1×10-9 mol/L of ApoB is 0.00055 g/L (550,000 g/mol divided by 1,000,000,000)

Convert g/L to mg/L:
0.00055 g/L of ApoB is 0.55 mg/L. (multiply by 1000)

Convert mg/L to mg/dL:
0.55 mg/L of ApoB is 0.055 mg/dL. (divided by 10)

These steps lead us to the conversion factor of 0.055 for converting ApoB from nmol/L to mg/dL.

ApoB Unit Conversion Calculator

ApoB Unit Conversion Calculator

 

Choose your ApoB measurement unit

nmol/L

mg/dl
Clear Form

Example case use:

Consider a 50-year-old patient with high Lipoprotein a [Lp(a)] levels at 200 nmol/L and a total ApoB of 100 mg/dL. To determine the proportion of ApoB associated with Lp(a), we utilize the 1:1 relationship between Lp(a) and ApoB, where each Lp(a) particle is paired with one ApoB molecule. Thus, the Lp(a)-associated ApoB in this patient is 200 nmol/L.

Using the ApoB Conversion Calculator, we find that his Lp(a)-associated ApoB is 11 mg/dL. Subtracting this from the total ApoB (100 mg/dL), we deduce that 89 mg/dL of his ApoB is not associated with Lp(a) and is mainly linked to other particles like LDL, IDL, and VLDL.

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About Dr Moazzeni | Cardiologist Westmead

Dr. Moazzeni founded Heartcare Sydney in 2015 and is a consulting cardiologist in Westmead. He completed his cardiology training at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, the NSW heart transplant center. During his training, he gained substantial experience with heart failure patients and cardiac imaging. Dr. Moazzeni is passionate about preventive cardiology and general medicine, offering consultations in English and Persian (Farsi). He actively contributes to medical education through his blog and YouTube channel.

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Dr Reza Moazzeni | Cardiologist Westmead