Hi Oliva & All,

I forgot to ask if anyone here has had similar tests for HDL - LDL
components breakdown?  (See below.)  Please let us know.  Thanks!

Oliva wrote:

>This is an excellent testing site but I think it has to go through your
doctor.  Very indepth for those who have serious genetic tendencies.  Oliva
http://www.berkeleyheartlab.com/GENERAL/whatservicesareoffered.shtml


With Direct Labs "below" anyone can do this test without your doctor's
approval, & the lab test results are provided directly to you.  Cost is
reasonable.  Of course, you can involve your doctor during the process too.

Here is what they say regarding using your insurance: DLS does not file
insurance claims. Some insurance plans have a "wellness" or "prevention"
benefit and you should contact your carrier for that information. We will
provide you with a HCFA with CPT codes so you may file for reimbursement.


ALL:

>>Anyone interested in blood lipid tests for HDL & LDL & TRIG, etc. should
consider researching this new & improved, more direct lipid measurements,
form of blood lipid testing.  The following company (Direct Labs) is -not-
the only one offering such a test, but I have used their excellent services
along with many others I know of.  (no complaints)  Cost is $94 from Direct
Labs.

Lastly, I certainly think some paleo higher fat diets (over 40%) might need
to be confirmed or disproved by using this test & reporting your results
back to this list.  Probably knowing your generic HDL & LDL number is not
enough "good data".  You may need the breakdown into its subgroups to know
what your diet is really doing to your cardio & vascular health.

Here are good sources of info (VAP test) to learn more:


http://directlabs.com/VAP.php


http://www.atherotech.com/PressRoom/vapliterature.asp


http://www.thevaptest.com./


http://www.atherotech.com/


     The  VAP Cholesterol Test


·        Directly measures total cholesterol

·    Directly measures HDL and

      separates into HDL2 and HDL3

      (HDL2 is the “best” cholesterol and

       when low is a risk factor for CAD,

       HDL3 is the least protective HDL).

·        Directly measures LDL and

 separates into 3 components –

             LDL-R, Lp(a), & IDL (Total LDL

             may be normal but one of the 3

             components of LDL may be

             elevated and indicate a risk for

 CAD.  Lp(a) is a genetic

 risk factor that when elevated could

 indicate a higher risk for heart

 disease.  IDL is also a genetic risk

 factor.)

·        Measures LDL pattern density.  (Pattern A indicates large, buoyant
LDL particles.  Pattern B indicates small, dense LDL particles and is most
atherogenic).

·        Directly measures triglycerides.

·        Directly measures triglyceride-rich lipids: VLDL1,2 VLDL3 and Total
VLDL (VLDL 3 is small, dense and most dangerous).

·        Fasting not required.  ATPIII requires expanded lipid test when
triglycerides > 400mg/dL and suggests direct measured LDL in non-fasting
state.








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