VAP™ cholesterol test, is a comprehensive lipoprotein analysis. It provides a direct measurement of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, Lipoprotein(a), and triglycerides. Additional reported information includes the qualitative assessment of LDL particle size, HDL subfractions (HDL2-C and HDL3-C), and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) subfractions (VLDL 1+2, VLDL3, and Intermediate Density Lipoprotein). The VAP™ cholesterol test is in compliance with current NCEP ATP III recommendations, and the additional information provided (beyond conventional lipoprotein profiles) relates to emerging risk factors and the metabolic syndrome as recognized in the report. It is a much more informative test than the standard cholesterol check.
Cholesterol is a type of fat (called a lipid) that the body uses to help build cells and produce certain hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it and other substances may begin to build up along the inside of the artery walls, forming what is known as plaque. A large deposit of plaque may obstruct the flow of blood through the artery, affecting blood flow to the heart, brain, or other vital organs. If unstable plaque breaks off, it may trigger the formation of a blood clot in the artery, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins can be high density or low density; depending on how much protein they have and how much fat they have. Lipoproteins with more protein than fat are called high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or "good cholesterol." Lipoproteins with more fat than protein are called low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or "bad cholesterol." Triglycerides are another type of fat that is usually measured along with cholesterol.
•High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the body by binding with it in the bloodstream and carrying it back to the liver where it is broken down. A high level of HDL cholesterol appears to lower your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
•Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol collects inside the walls of the arteries and often contributes to the formation of plaque.
•Triglycerides are a type of fat the body uses to store energy. Only a small amount of triglycerides are found in the blood. A high triglyceride level along with high LDL cholesterol may be more of a risk for heart disease than having only a high LDL cholesterol level.
A total cholesterol test measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood. Lipoprotein analysis (lipoprotein profile or lipid profile) measures blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Most medical experts recommend routine lipoprotein analysis to screen for lipid disorders, while others may routinely choose to measure only total cholesterol and HDL levels.
•The National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III, or ATP III) recommends a fasting lipoprotein analysis every 5 years for all adults age 20 and older. Total cholesterol and HDL testing is acceptable if the screening sample is non-fasting. However, if the total cholesterol level from a non-fasting sample exceeds 200 mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL, the ATP III recommends repeat testing with a fasting blood sample.
•The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends total cholesterol and HDL testing for all men age 35 and older and for all women age 45 and older. The USPSTF also recommends routine total cholesterol and HDL testing for men between the ages of 20 and 35 and for women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have risk factors for heart disease.
You may order VAP™ cholesterol test online, or for more information call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to speak with one of our medical counselors.
