Test Components:

The Metabolic Syndrome Panel includes:

• The VAP® Test
• Chemistry Panel (16 essential tests)
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Insulin

Description:

The VAP® (Vertical Auto Profile) Test is one of the most accurate and comprehensive cholesterol tests available today. It reports 18 separate components of blood cholesterol compared to just four in a standard test.

This comprehensive cholesterol test can identify more lipid abnormalities (which is the #1 risk factor of heart disease) than the standard test and is the only cholesterol test to identify markers for Metabolic Syndrome, a precursor for diabetes.

According to the American Heart Association, the metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person. They include:

• Abdominal obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen).
• Atherogenic dyslipidemia (blood fat disorders — high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol — that foster plaque buildups in artery walls).
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (the body can’t properly use insulin or blood sugar).
• Prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor–1 in the blood).
• Proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated C-reactive protein in the blood).

Elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose along with reduced HDL (the good kind) from this test gives a strong indication of Metabolic Syndrome.

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of time (2-3 months). This test can be used to help detect pre-diabetes and diagnose diabetes. If you’re diabetic, this test can help determine if your disease is under control.

The Chemistry Panel includes 16 essential tests that are typically requested by your doctor as part of a routine check-up or annual physical. This panel gives you or your doctor a clearer picture of your overall health.

See below for additional details on its test components.

• Sodium (Na) Potassium (K), Chloride (C) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - When tested, irregular values in these “electrolytes” can indicate trouble with your body’s salt/water or acid/base balance. Dehydration, vomiting, medications and kidney problems can cause these health issues.
• Albumin (Alb), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Bilirubin (Bil)-Direct and Total, Aspartate Transaminase (AST); and Alanine Transaminase (ALT) – These are proteins and enzymes found in the blood. Abnormal levels of any of these tests can indicate liver damage or liver disease.

Why Do I Need It?:

Proactive blood testing can give you and your doctor more information to better manage, diagnose and treat potentially life-threatening issues.

The Metabolic Syndrome Panel is particularly important to you if you have diabetes, a family history of heart disease or diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid or kidney problems, or if you are overweight, or have excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen (a key visual indicator of Metabolic Syndrome).

The VAP Cholesterol Test can determine if you may have Metabolic Syndrome, a precursor for Type II Diabetes or Insulin Resistance.

Other Relevant Tests:

If you want individual tests other than a Value Panel, you might want to consider Glucose (Serum), Hemoglobin A1c, C-Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity), Homocysteine or Chemistry Panel (if you are taking medication)

Test Details:

Normal Range:

The normal range for the VAP Test includes:

High Results Indicate:

High result could indicate a variety of illnesses such as heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and others. Always discuss your results with your physician.

Low Results Indicate:

[There is no “Low Results Indicate” for this test.]

What Type of Physician Should You See?

Your Primary Care physician, Internist or Cardiologist can discuss your cholesterol results.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either in-store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)

Extras:

Don't forget to ask about the ANY LAB TEST NOW® Results Gift Card and other available specials.