UAB Synopsis, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 25, 2005
Forbes.com has named the vertical auto profile (VAP) test, developed by UAB cholesterol expert Jere Segrest, MD, PhD, one of "Ten Ways To Live Longer." VAP uses a high-speed centrifuge to measure low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and, unlike older cholesterol panels, provides a direct measure of LDL and cholesterol density.
VAP identifies about 90% of individuals at risk for heart disease, almost twice the rate of routine cholesterol panels. Birmingham-based Atherotech, Inc., developed and markets the VAP test. Dr. Segrest founded the company and now serves as a consultant.