Advanced technology led to the discovery of the vertical autoprofile test, or VAP, which breaks down the components of cholesterol and identifies people likely to develop coronary artery disease and diabetes. The VAP test, a brand name, directly calculates LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels, as well as subtypes of lipoproteins. Earlier detection of abnormal lipid levels gives your physician the opportunity to design an individualized treatment plan that might prevent cardiac damage and monitor your response to therapy.
Vertical Autoprofile Test
The VAP test determines lipoproteins and subtypes of lipids in the blood by separating the different types based on density by using ultracentrifugation. With this process, the presence of small dense LDL particles indicates an increased risk for plaque formation called atherosclerosis. The VAP test requires one blood sample, drawn at any time, and no fasting is necessary. This test also indicates key cholesterol markers for insulin resistance, or prediabetic status, called the metabolic syndrome. The results of VAP testing are more accurate information to support preventative care as well as continued care for heart disease or diabetes.
Components Measured
The VAP test directly measures the common cholesterol levels such as LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides. It also directly measures subtypes of cholesterol such as lipoprotein a, apolipoprotein B100 and intermediate density lipoproteins. A number of the subtypes are considered key markers for the development of heart disease or diabetes and are not available with routine testing. Lipoprotein, a cholesterol called Lp(a), is an hereditary risk factor that doesn't respond to cholesterol lowering drugs. Intermediate density lipoproteins, called IDL, also an inherited factor, increase heart disease risk when family medical history contains diabetes. Apolipoprotein B100, called apoB100, aids the formation and transportation of cholesterol to the cells.
Comparison
Standard cholesterol testing indirectly calculates four lipid components, including LDL levels, and requires fasting for 12 hours. Routine cholesterol test results are affected by triglyceride levels, fasting and coronary artery disease. Standard testing does not calculate the subtype lipids that indicate increased risk for heart disease and results might reflect a normal cholesterol value. The VAP test directly computes LDL and 15 lipid components, achieving a higher level of accuracy and predictability of risk.
Risk Factors
Knowing the risk factors for developing heart disease or diabetes helps your physician determine whether the VAP test is indicated for you. Those factors include elevated cholesterol levels, elevated triglycerides, thyroid conditions, kidney conditions, being overweight, taking cholesterol medications and high blood pressure. Equally important risk factors are hereditary elements such as a family medical history of diabetes or heart disease.
