VAP Cholesterol Test helps in search for new heart disease drugs

"Using the VAP Cholesterol Test from Atherotech, Inc., University of Maryland researchers have found an association between a rare gene mutation and heart protection. The information reported in a recent study could help in the development of heart disease risk-lowering drugs and also demonstrates the value of advanced lipid profile testing in the identification of individuals at increased risk of heart disease. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) of fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels was performed as part of the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study. The results, published in the highly respected journal, Science, identified a specific gene mutation (APOC3 R19X) present in 5 percent of a Lancaster County, Pa., Amish community. This rare genetic occurrence prevents the production of a protein (apoC-III) that leads to increased rates of atherosclerosis" - Yahoo