New Lower LDL Cholesterol Guidelines for Patients at Risk for Heart Disease Highlight Need for More Accurate Cholesterol Test Technology

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (BUSINESS WIRE) July 14, 2004

Atherotech's Comprehensive VAP™ Cholesterol Test Significantly Improves LDL Cholesterol Risk Assessment

WHAT:   An important update to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) clinical guidelines released this week establishes lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol goals for patients at high risk for heart disease -- highlighting the need for more accurate cholesterol test technology. A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that routine cholesterol tests, which calculate rather than directly measure LDL (the "bad" cholesterol), may provide inaccurate LDL measurements, especially at the low LDL levels recommended in the guidelines. In contrast, the next-generation VAP (VerticalAuto Profile) Cholesterol Test provides the more accurate, direct-measured LDL required to effectively assess and treat heart disease risk. The NCEP is coordinated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

HOW:  The VAP Cholesterol Test provides direct, detailed measurements of LDL cholesterol, improving on routine calculated values, and includes atherogenic LDL subclassesLp (a), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and the emerging risk factor known as LDL cholesterol size pattern. Recognized by the NCEP as playing important roles in the development of heart disease, these measurements previously were unavailable in a single cholesterol test. Developed by Birmingham, Ala.-based Atherotech, the affordable VAP Test is available nationwide through leading national and regional reference laboratories and is reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance carriers.

WHY:  With cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease killing nearly 1 million people annually, the NIH says Americans need to act now to prevent future heart attacks. The NCEP's updated clinical practice guidelines advise physicians to consider more intensive treatment for patients at high and moderately high risk for a heart attack. Specifically, the new guidelines suggest lower treatment goals for LDL cholesterol in high- and moderate-risk patients, and provide a therapeutic option to initiate cholesterol-lowering drugs at lower LDL thresholds. For patients at very high risk, such as those who have heart disease and multiple risk factors, the guidelines recommend an LDL of less than 70. Calculated LDL provided by routine cholesterol tests, however, may underestimate LDL by up to 20 percent, especially at lower LDL levels -- possibly providing a false sense of security for some patients and their physicians. With the national availability of the VAP Test, physicians now have access to a fast, accurate, easy-to-use, and affordable method to obtain the accurate LDL readings that are vital for high-risk patients.

WHO:  Atherotech is a pioneer in cardiodiagnostic technology. The company's VAP Cholesterol Test recently was named one of "Five Tests Worth Paying For" by The Wall Street Journal.

WHERE:  Consumers interested in the VAP Cholesterol test should speak with their doctors or visit www.thevaptest.com. Direct access to the VAP Test also is available at www.getavap.com.

INTERVIEWS:  Richard Lanman, M.D., Atherotech's chief medical officer, is available to discuss the new NCEP guidelines update and the importance of obtaining accurate LDL cholesterol readings. To schedule an interview, contact Barbara Sullivan at Sullivan & Associates, (714) 374-6174.