The standard lipid panel measures the total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels. It also calculates the low-density lipoprotein level from the three measured levels. The Vertical Auto Profile (VAP) test measures many more cholesterol, lipid and lipoprotein values than the standard panel and can identify more areas of risk. People with a family history of heart disease or those with undesirable values on the standard panel will frequently take the more comprehensive VAP test.
Step 1
Examine the HDL results. An HDL level above 40 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) is desirable. The HDL2 level should be greater than 10 mg/dl in males and greater than 15 mg/dl in females. The HDL3 level should be greater than 30 mg/dl in males and greater than 25 mg/dl in females. HDL values below these levels can indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
Step 2
Look at the LDL results. The LDL level should be less than 130 mg/dl and the LDL-R level should be less than 100 mg/dl. LDL values above these levels can indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
Step 3
Observe the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) results. The VLDL level should be less than 30 mg/dl, the sum of the VLDL1 and VLDL2 levels should be less than 20 mg/dl and the VLDL3 level should be less than 10 mg/dl. VLDL values above these levels can indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
Step 4
Inspect the apolipoprotein (APO) values. The APO A1 level should be greater than 118 mg/dl in males and greater than 145 mg/dl in females. The APO B level should be less than 109 mg/dl. The APO B / APO A1 value should be less than 0.92 in males and less than 0.75 in females. APO values outside these levels can indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
Step 5
Study the miscellaneous VAP values. The triglyceride level should be less than 150mg/dL, the total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dl and the intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) should be less than 20 mg/dl. The non-HDL should be less than 160 mg/dl, the LP(a) value should be less than 10 mg/dl and the remnant lipoprotein values should be less than 30 mg/dl.
Things You'll Need
- VAP test results
