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Atherotech to Exhibit the VAP(R) Cholesterol Test at ACC.09 in Orlando

Posted on: Tuesday, 17 March 2009, 10:00 CDT

Cardio-diagnostic company adds new apoAI measurement and apoB/apoAI ratio to advanced lipid profile for heart disease risk stratification

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Atherotech, Inc., today announced it will be exhibiting its VAP(R) Cholesterol Test in booth #1263 at ACC.09, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 58th Annual Scientific Session Exposition. The annual meeting takes place March 29-31, 2009, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Used in more than 100 clinical trials, including the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study recently published in Science, the VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Test is the most accurate cholesterol test available today.

The VAP Test reports 20 separate components of blood cholesterol as opposed to four in a standard test and can identify a far great number of lipid abnormalities (the #1 risk factor for heart disease) than the standard cholesterol test. The test identifies markers for metabolic syndrome, a precursor for diabetes, and is the only single cholesterol test that routinely reports apoAI, apoB, and the apoB/apoAI ratio.

Atherotech recently announced the addition of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI), the main component of protective HDL cholesterol, to its reporting. Several large, prospective studies, including INTERHEART and the AMORIS trials, have clearly shown the apoB/apoAI ratio to be superior to all other cardiovascular disease risk marker ratios.

"ACC 2009 represents an excellent setting in which to convey the unique benefits of advanced cholesterol profiling to medical professionals from around the world," said Atherotech Chief Medical Officer James Ehrlich, M.D.

Atherotech representatives will be available to discuss the VAP Cholesterol Test in booth #1263, and blood draws will be provided to qualified attendees during exhibit hours March 29-31. Because LDL is directly measured, fasting is not required. Test results will be returned via mail after the conference.

The VAP Test provides researchers and medical professionals with direct measurement of LDL, HDL and all relevant subclasses, and includes non-HDL, a highly accurate determination of apoB, and emerging risk factors such as Lp(a), remnants and small dense LDL.

People with a family history or an existing condition of diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease - or who are already taking cholesterol-lowering medication - are candidates for the comprehensive VAP Test. In addition, those who didn't score within the desirable ranges of the standard cholesterol test (i.e. those with triglycerides > 150, HDL < 40, LDL >130, total cholesterol > 200) should also opt for the more detailed VAP Test.

The VAP Test is available nationwide and is covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information call 877.901.8510 or visit www.thevaptest.com.

About Atherotech, Inc.

Atherotech is a cardio-diagnostic 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. It is the only advanced lipid profile that routinely reports all three lipoprotein parameters considered necessary by the American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology expert consensus guidelines. 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.thevaptest.com.

SOURCE Atherotech, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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