What is a VAP Test?
VAP stands for vertical auto profile, and it tests cholesterol measurements more specifically than previous cholesterol tests. Jere Segrest, a scientist at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, developed the VAP test. In 1999, a company called Atherotech, also located in Birmingham, was formed. Atherotech patented the VAP test and is currently the only company with rights to produce it. Previous blood cholesterol tests examined the levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL), also called “good cholesterol.” These tests also examined and counted the presence of low density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad cholesterol.” These earlier tests were roughly 40% accurate in predicting risk for heart attack. What scientists discovered while developing the VAP test is that HDL and LDL could be broken down further into subtypes by reclassifying density. These subtypes could further define cholesterol levels and risk of heart attack. High levels of LDL are considered to increase risk for heart attack
The VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Test, developed by Atherotech, is an expanded cholesterol test that provides valuable information that can identify hidden heart disease risk. In fact, the VAP Test identifies twice as many people at risk than routine cholesterol tests, including those with inherited risk factors who often develop premature heart disease. The VAP Test is a better cholesterol test. Like routine tests, the VAP Test measures total cholesterol, HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides. But the VAP Test also measures cholesterol subclasses that play important roles in the development of heart disease. This additional information allows your doctor to improve the detection of heart disease risk from about 40 percent to 90 percent, and provides a foundation for patient-specific treatment plans. Who should take the VAP Cholesterol Test? Everyone who wants to accurately measure their risk of heart disease. In particular, the National Cholesterol Educat
