In addition to the VAP Test, Atherotech offers other Cardiometabolic diagnostic tests that aid in the early identification and treatment of heart disease and address NCEP ATP III emerging risk factors.

• C-Reactive Protein-hs
  
  High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) is a nonspecific inflammatory marker produced by the liver in response to inflammatory adipocytokines and macrophages. It is a strong and independent risk marker for primary and secondary CHD events, sudden death, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Elevation of hsCRP is also associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
  
  
• Cystatin C
  
  Cystatin C is an enzyme mainly used as a biomarker of renal function. Unlike creatinine, cystatin C is capable of detecting mild decreases in GFR and affected only minimally by age, muscle mass, gender and race. It is also a prognostic marker of CV events, CHF, CVA, PAD, metabolic syndrome and all cause mortality even in the absence of established renal disease.
  
  
• GGT
  
  Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme catalyst in the degradation of glutathione, the major antioxidant in the body. GGT is a sensitive proatherogenic, prognostic biomarker for oxidative stress and subclinical atherosclerosis, along with being an independent predictor of metabolic syndrome. Elevated levels are associated with hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver and an increase in all cause mortality and morbidity.
  
  
• GlycoMark^®
  
  GlycoMark measures I,5 anhydroglucitol (1,5 – AG). It is a nonmetabolized monosaccharide present in small amounts in most foods. I,5 – AG reflects peak glucose levels over 1-2 weeks (short term glucose control). These peaks , not detected by A1C, are associated with the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. 1,5 – AG levels assist in monitoring drug efficacy and treatment alterations including diet and exercise regimens in patients with A1C's at or near goal.
  
  
• Homocysteine
  
  Homocysteine is an amino acid associated with methionine metabolism.
  
  Homocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for primary and secondary CHD events, CHD death, stroke and all cause mortality. Each increase of 5 umol/L in homocysteine level increases the risk of CHD events by approximately 20%, independent of traditional risk factors.
  
  
• LpPLA₂/PLAC^®
  
  Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) is an enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of oxidized phospholipase on LDL. It is a specific marker for vascular inflammation and is produced in unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Elevated levels indicate a 2 fold increase risk for CVD events and ischemic stroke.
  
  
• NTproBNP
  
  N-terminal prohormone BNP (NTproBNP) is a hormone secreted mainly from cardiac monocytes in response to cardiac stress. It is a sensitive biomarker that has powerful prognostic value for detection of subclinical, unsuspected cardiac dysfunction. NTproBNP is an independent predictor of cardiac events and all cause mortality.
  
  
• Uric Acid
  
  Uric acid is the degradation product of purine metabolism. Uric acid elevations are associated with gout, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, CVD, CHF, CVA, dementia, preeclampsia, kidney disease, leukemia and oxidative stress. For every 1 mg/dL increase in serum uric acid, there is a 41% excess risk for mortality. Elevated serum uric acid levels in patients with hypertension are associated with a 3-5 fold increased risk of CAD or CVA.
  
  
• Vitamin D
  
  Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin made by ultraviolet light activity on exposed skin. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a significant graded increased risk for primary and secondary CAD events, PAD, CVA, diabetes and all cause mortality. The Framingham Offspring Study revealed that there was a 1.8X increased risk of CV events when 25(OH) vitamin D levels were < 10 ng/ml. Myalgias from statin therapy may be associated with low vitamin D levels.
  
  
• Apo E genotype
  
  Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) is a genetic test with specific isoform variations (apo E2, 3 or 4). Apo E is a multifunctional protein that plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism and CVD risk. Apo E 3/3 is considered a normal genotype affecting about 60% of the population. Compared to Apo E 3/3, individuals with an Apo E4 allele tend to have higher LDL-C, less reduction of LDLc from statin therapy and an increased risk of CVD. Apo E 2/3 individuals have been shown to have a 20% reduced risk for developing CVD but Apo E 2/2 individuals are at risk for developing type III hyperlipidemia and premature CAD. Incorporating a patient’s Apo E genotype into diagnostic and treatment protocols may guide therapy and improve patient outcomes.
  
  

To find out more about these tests, Contact Atherotech.