BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The VAP® (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol Test from Atherotech Diagnostics Lab was featured this week on the Emmy Award-winning syndicated series “The Doctors.” The VAP Test and Atherotech's Chief Medical Officer Michael Cobble, M.D., were highlighted in the “Ten Ways to Live a Longer Life” episode, which included a discussion of the importance of accurate and complete cholesterol testing.
What is the VAP Test? It is the most comprehensive cholesterol test available for the management of heart attack and stroke risk. The VAP Test identifies a far greater number of people at risk for heart disease than the standard cholesterol test, with direct and comprehensive measurements of cholesterol markers associated with heart disease. Research has shown that nearly 50 percent of patients admitted to the hospital for heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels when measured with a standard cholesterol test alone. The VAP Cholesterol Test:
- Provides directly measured LDL, unaffected by triglyceride levels, making test results accurate in non-fasting patients
- Reports 22 separate components of cholesterol — compared to just four in the standard cholesterol test — at no additional cost
- Is covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers
For more information on ordering the test, patients can ask their doctor, visit the VAP Test online or call 877.901.8510.
“The Doctors” co-host Travis Stork, M.D., interviewed Cobble, who talked about how the VAP Test can help identify hidden cholesterol issues that can increase the risk of heart disease or diabetes, even if routine cholesterol test results are normal.
“The exciting thing about this expanded lipid profile is that it's more comprehensive, measuring (more than) 20 cholesterol issues,” explained Cobble. “And it can identify hidden cholesterol problems that increase your risk for serious illness.”
Cobble added that the VAP Test provides physicians and clinicians the detailed, actionable information they need to help target and treat specific lipid and protein disorders.
“Having the VAP Test featured on this highly influential show has the potential to help millions of Americans get a better understanding of their heart attack and stroke risk with an accurate, affordable and easy-to-order test,” Atherotech CEO Michael Mullen said. “The VAP Test allows patients and doctors to track 22 cholesterol measurements, enabling them to work with their doctors to make the lifestyle and medical changes necessary to lead a longer, healthier life.”
Heart disease is the costliest and most deadly medical condition affecting the U.S. The VAP Test directly measures risk factors associated with heart disease, providing more accurate information than the routine lipid test, which uses an outdated formula to estimate the LDL value. Atherotech Diagnostics Lab provides physicians with a single source for the VAP Test and more than a dozen cardiovascular and metabolic tests. Atherotech provides its unique testing services to physicians, hospitals, clinics and other laboratories throughout the U.S.
For more information, visit the VAP Test online or call 877.901.8510. Atherotech Diagnostics Lab is on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Atherotech and also on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Atherotech.
About Atherotech Diagnostics Lab
Atherotech is a CLIA-certified clinical reference laboratory and cardiodiagnostic company focusing on cardiometabolic tests, including the company’s patented VAP Cholesterol Test, which reports the cholesterol content of all lipids, components and subclasses. The VAP Test is the first cholesterol profile to comply with updated National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III recommendations for direct LDL measurement, which is accurate with non-fasting samples. The VAP Test is available through national and regional diagnostic laboratories and is reimbursed by many of the largest private insurers as well as Medicare. For more information, visit www.Atherotech.com.