What does the analysis of the coefficient of atherogenicity mean. What does an increased coefficient of atherogenicity mean? High AI Rates: Treatment

Along with inorganic elements (sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, etc.), there are four large classes of organic substances present in the body and in food. These are carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids (fats). Lipids in human blood are conditionally divided into “good” and “bad”, and a lot depends on their balance. The coefficient of atherogenicity will show which of them prevails in the body, and will also answer the question - is the patient at high risk of developing atherosclerosis.

General concepts

The atherogenic coefficient (atherogenicity index, CA, IA) is one of the indicators of a biochemical blood test that reflects the ratio of "good" and "bad" lipids in the human body and helps to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases associated with atherosclerosis.

Determination of the coefficient of atherogenicity is prescribed in combination with other analyzes for an expanded lipid spectrum.

Who needs to take this test?

Determination of the atherogenic coefficient is important for many patients, including:

having close relatives with a disturbed lipid spectrum;
survivors of myocardial infarction, suffering from cardiovascular diseases:
- IHD (ischemic heart disease);
- arterial hypertension;
- atherosclerosis of various localizations (in the carotid arteries, cardiac and renal arteries, leg arteries).
those suffering from kidney disease:
- glomerulonephritis;
- nephrotic syndrome;
- chronic renal failure.
with thyroid disease:
- hypothyroidism;
- hyperthyroidism.
with diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;
suffering from pathology of the gastrointestinal tract:
- chronic pancreatitis;
- pancreatic cancer;
- cirrhosis of the liver.
with obesity;
suffering from anorexia;
with burn disease;
with gout;
with blood diseases
- megaloblastic anemia;
- myeloma;
- sepsis.
long-term use of oral contraceptives;
suffering from alcoholism;
smokers.

Calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity

The atherogenic coefficient can be calculated using the following formula: (Total cholesterol - HDL) / HDL, where HDL is high density lipoprotein. Total cholesterol is the sum of high, low density (LDL) and very low density (VLDL) lipoproteins.

Calculation example: in a patient with a cholesterol index of 6.19 and HDL of 1.06, the atherogenic coefficient will be 4.8.

Preparing the patient for a blood test

2-3 weeks before the study, the patient should not break the diet. If a person has suffered a serious illness (for example, myocardial infarction) or a major operation, then the test is postponed for 3 months - unless the blood was taken within 12 hours after the attack. It is postponed for 2-3 weeks after mild illnesses.

24 hours before the test, you can not drink alcohol, 12 hours before donating blood - eat, 30 minutes - smoke. The patient must be well-rested and sit for 5-10 minutes before the procedure, otherwise the test result may be distorted.

CA values are normal - table

Normal values of the coefficient of atherogenicity range from 2 to 2.5, but not more than 3.2 for women and 3.5 for men. A value above 3 means that “bad” cholesterol begins to predominate in the body - there is a possibility of developing atherosclerosis.

The reduced coefficient of atherogenicity has no practical significance. There is no need to take any steps to increase it.

Throughout life, the ratio changes. It has a minimum value in infancy and is equal to one, although this test is not intended for children, therefore, high numbers of the atherogenic index do not carry a semantic load during this period. With age, the coefficient increases, but even for older people it should not go beyond the limits indicated in the table.

Any factors that affect blood lipid levels will also affect the final ratio. Main reasons:

Smoking. Smoking affects the level of lipids in the blood and contributes to damage to the walls of blood vessels, in places where atherosclerotic plaques begin to develop.
Unhealthy food. Eating fatty and fried foods, foods that are rich in simple carbohydrates (sweets, baked goods, honey, sugary drinks, etc.).
Obesity. Firstly, people suffering from this disease lead a sedentary lifestyle, which is also a risk factor. And secondly, they often eat sweet and fatty foods.
Diabetes. People with this pathology automatically fall into the risk group for the development of atherosclerosis, since a high level of blood glucose damages the walls of blood vessels, where atherosclerotic plaques begin to join.
Increased blood pressure. Since the walls of blood vessels have a certain margin of safety, with a constantly high level of blood pressure, they are damaged, which leads to the development of atherosclerosis in this place.
Hunger for a long period of time.
Reception:
- oral contraceptives;
- anabolic steroids;
- glucocorticoids (Prednisolone, Dexomethasone).
Pregnancy.
Relatives with high cholesterol. Sometimes there is a genetically inherent elevated level of lipids and, accordingly, a high level of atherogenic coefficient.
Alcohol consumption. Currently, one of the important factors in the development of atherosclerotic vascular lesions.

Features of the increased coefficient of atherogenicity

An increased atherogenic coefficient is associated with an increased risk of developing a variety of diseases:

With damage to the vessels of the heart: coronary heart disease, often manifested by retrosternal pain, which can spread to the left arm, left side of the neck. These attacks disappear after the use of nitrates.
With damage to the vessels of the kidneys - chronic renal failure (CRF).
With damage to the intestinal vessels - "abdominal toad", which includes pain and distension in the abdomen after eating.
With damage to the vessels of the legs - intermittent claudication (Lerish syndrome), a symptom of which is a forced stop of a person after a certain distance due to unbearable pain in the lower extremities.
With damage to the vessels of the brain:
- encephalopathy, which is manifested by sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability;
- transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which come on and off suddenly and have stroke-like symptoms.
- directly acute disorders of cerebral circulation (strokes, stroke) - with deeply advanced atherosclerosis.

Normalization of the level of atherogenicity

Non-drug ways to reduce the atherogenic coefficient include methods such as:

adherence to a rational diet with a decrease in the amount of food containing fast carbohydrates (sweet carbonated drinks, juices, jams, pastries, honey, sweets) and fats (butter, lard, fatty meat, margarine, fatty dairy products). Thermal processing of food should exclude frying. Boiling, baking, steaming is recommended;
normalization of excess weight;
increase in physical activity during the day - with a sedentary lifestyle;
reduction in alcohol intake and smoking cessation - provokers of the development of atherosclerosis.

Prohibited products in the photo

Diet for atherosclerosis - video

Medical methods of treatment:

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as fish oil supplements). They help to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood, thereby affecting the atherogenic coefficient.
Statins (Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin). At the moment, these are the main drugs prescribed for violations of lipid metabolism in the body. You need to drink such pills throughout your life. They not only lower cholesterol levels, but also affect existing atherosclerotic plaques, reducing them. Also, the discovery of recent years is their anti-inflammatory effect, the mechanism of which is still being studied.
Fibrates (Gemfibrozil, Fenofibrate). Drugs that increase the level of "good" blood lipids, thereby reducing the atherogenic coefficient.
Bile acid sequestrants (colestyramine). The drugs form insoluble compounds with cholesterol and bile acids, thereby reducing their blood levels.

The atherogenic coefficient is a unique tool in our hands that allows us to assess the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis in a patient, prevent its complications and select individual therapy for all those who need it. Every person who cares about their health should be attentive to this indicator in order to identify its changes as early as possible and stop the progression of the disease in the early stages.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most widespread chronic diseases among the adult population with a progressive course. With it, there is a violation of fat, carbohydrate, protein metabolism, which leads to the accumulation of cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids in the body.

They are deposited in the walls of the arteries of the elastic and muscular-elastic type, causing a local inflammatory reaction in their lumen with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that narrow the lumen of the vessels. Depending on the location of the lesion, the following pathologies can develop:

IHD, myocardial infarction, sudden coronary death;
transient ischemic attacks, strokes;
intestinal infarction;
violation of the trophism of the limbs up to gangrene.

When contacting a cardiologist with suspicion of vascular pathologies, a biochemical blood test and a lipid profile with the calculation of the atherogenic coefficient will be prescribed.

Atherogenicity is the ability of certain substances to cause the development of atherosclerotic changes in the body, due to pathological changes in the functioning of the metabolic system.

To assess the risk of developing atherosclerotic lesions of the heart and blood vessels, most laboratories use the term atherogenic coefficient (CA). This indicator allows you to assess the state of fat metabolism based on the determination of the ratio of different fractions of lipoproteins.

What affects performance?

There are several groups of factors that can cause changes in AI. If it is elevated, most people think that this confirms the presence of the disease. It is not always so. A high CA indicates the need for further examination and correction of fat metabolism indicators. Among non-modifiable factors, an important role is played by a genetic predisposition to elevated cholesterol levels.

Modifiable factors include bad habits (smoking, excessive consumption of carbonated and alcoholic beverages), a passive lifestyle, physical inactivity. Malnutrition with excessive consumption of sugar, animal fats, their artificial substitutes leads to obesity and also significantly increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathology. Constant stressful situations, neuropsychic stresses have a negative impact.

A physiological increase in IA is observed in pregnant women and during the postpartum period (42 days from the date of birth). Certain groups of medicines have a negative effect on cholesterol levels:

glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Betamethasone);
beta-blockers (Bisoprolol, Metoprolol);
antiarrhythmic drugs (Amiodarone);
combined oral contraceptives with estradiol and progestins;
diuretics (Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Torasemide);
anabolics (testosterone);
cyclosporins.

This indicator may be below normal with increased sports, a low-fat diet and the use of acetylsalicylic acid, estrogens, thyroxine, certain antibiotics (Erythromycin, Neomycin) and antifungal agents (Ketoconazole). This proves the absence of signs of vascular damage.

The norm of the atherogenic index in a blood test, calculation

In the case of obtaining the results of a lipid profile in which this coefficient has not been calculated, you can do it yourself, knowing how to calculate it. To do this, you need to know the level of total cholesterol and its main fractions (LDL, HDL). The most commonly used formula is:

LDL / HDL = AI.

Sometimes the LDL field is left blank on the form. Its value can be found by subtracting the number of high-density lipoproteins from total cholesterol.

There are significant differences in the interpretation of the results of men and women of different ages. However, for all patients over the age of 45 with signs of ischemic coronary artery disease or impaired cerebral circulation, exceeding 3.0 is unacceptable.

A high risk of vascular and heart pathology is indicated by a level of 3.1-4.9. An indicator >5 needs medical correction and indicates the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in the body. Also, some laboratories set their average norms, but this fluctuation is no more than +/-0.1.

In men

Males are more prone to diseases of the vascular system and the development of atherosclerosis. This is due to the fact that cholesterol is used for the synthesis of the male sex hormone testosterone. After 40-45 years, the need for the hormone decreases, cholesterol remains unused.

The indicators should be:

In young men under the age of 30, the normal value of the atherogenic level should not exceed 2.5.
At the age of up to 40 years, in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, values fluctuate from 2 to 4.8.
In men aged 40-60 years, the norm is 3.0-3.5.

Among women

The main hormone of the female reproductive system - estradiol, has a protective effect on blood vessels, ensures their tone and elasticity, helps maintain normal levels of HDL, CL. Given this, in healthy women of childbearing age, the CA does not exceed the bar of 2.2.

Upon reaching the age of premenopause and menopause, the concentrations of sex hormones gradually decrease, which leads to an increase in total cholesterol with an unchanged level of high density lipoproteins. As a result, the norm in women of mature age (45-65 years) is considered to be 2.4-3.2.

Reasons for the high ratio

The discrepancy between the results of the analysis and the average indicators does not always indicate the development of the disease, so it is worth finding out the reasons why the atherogenic index can be increased:

Reasons for the low ratio

Among the main reasons, when the atherogenic coefficient is lowered (corresponds to a value of less than 2), the most common is hard physical labor or increased sports. Also, the level of CL will be lower in people who follow a diet with a reduced content of animal and transgenic fats.

In addition, when determining CA, it is imperative to take into account which drugs a person uses. The ability to reduce atherogenic indicators is possessed by:

hormones (estradiol, progesterone);
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (acetylsalicylic acid);
antimycotic drugs (ketoconazole);
antibiotics (erythromycin, neomycin).

Despite the fact that this is not a pathology and indicates a good condition of the vessels, a low cardiovascular risk, patients are advised to retake the lipid profile after a few weeks.

What to do if the coefficient is not normal

In case of deviations of analyzes from the norm, patients are recommended to normalize their lifestyle:

One of the most important points is the proper organization of the regime of work and rest. It should include a full eight-hour night's sleep and moderate exercise.
The diet should include foods containing unsaturated fatty acids: nuts, fish, flax seeds, olive and sesame oils, avocados. Foods rich in fiber block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, so bran, whole grain bread, cereals, raw fruits and vegetables are indispensable when following a diet. Dark bitter chocolate and green tea have a stimulating effect on metabolic processes.

It has long been known about the ability of garlic to significantly lower the level of CL and LDL. Allicin contained in its composition is able to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Garlic can be used raw as an addition to salads and meat dishes, as well as to prepare a special infusion.

To do this, 300 g of peeled cloves are passed through a meat grinder or rubbed on a grater, pour 500 ml of vodka. Insist in a dark cool place for several days, then strain. Store the finished infusion in the refrigerator, consume 1 tablespoon three times a day after meals. In the pharmacy you can buy tablets with garlic extract, they are drunk 1-2 pieces 2 times a day.

With a significant increase in the atherogenic index and the ineffectiveness of the diet, drug therapy may be necessary. In modern medicine, the following groups of drugs are used for this purpose:

Vascular health directly depends on lifestyle and diet. Following a simple diet, engaging in moderate physical activity, you can significantly improve your well-being, appearance and avoid long and expensive drug treatment.

Any average person knows that high blood cholesterol is “bad”. Possessing a rather meager amount of knowledge on the subject, having barely seen a result above the norm in the “total cholesterol” or “HDL-cholesterol” column (before having obtained information about the interpretation of analyzes on dubious sites), a person goes on a strict diet or, even worse, begins to exercise self-medicating and taking statin drugs.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to evaluate the results of laboratory tests and interpret them correctly according to special rules. Separate columns of the description will not allow to draw a correct conclusion about the processes occurring in the body. To talk about the risk of developing atherosclerosis and other diseases, directly or indirectly caused by an increased level of "bad" cholesterol, a special value has been introduced in medical practice: the atherogenic coefficient.

What is the coefficient of atherogenicity in a blood test?

Atherogenic coefficient- this is the balance of "good" cholesterol and total cholesterol, which in the future can go into a bound state (LDL), is their proportional ratio.

What is this ratio? At a general, everyday level, everyone knows that there is a "bad" (or LDL-cholesterol) and "good" (HDL-cholesterol) cholesterol. The complex molecules of good cholesterol are too large to be absorbed into the tissues, they "collect" the molecules of "bad" fatty alcohol and forward them to the liver for processing. On the contrary, "bad" cholesterol settles on the walls of blood vessels and forms plaques that narrow the lumen of the blood vessel and worsen blood circulation. In addition, total cholesterol, that is, a substance in an unbound state, also circulates in the blood.

At the moment, this is the most accurate indicator of the state of lipid (fat) metabolism in the body and the assessment of the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases (although the role of fatty alcohol in the development of pathologies of this kind is debatable).

In addition, the definition of this indicator can be informative in the following cases:

Control of the dynamics of cholesterol (with drug therapy);

During the initial preventive examination of the patient.

The norm of the coefficient of atherogenicity

When calculating the coefficient of atherogenicity, experts use a simple formula:

Atherogenic coefficient (Atherogenic index) = (Total cholesterol - HDL) / HDL

The norm of the atherogenic index varies from laboratory to laboratory, in general, this indicator is normal in the range from 2 to 2.5 units (but not higher than 3.2 for women and 3.5 for men). An indicator above the specified norm may indicate the presence of atherosclerosis. However, the coefficient alone does not allow us to accurately state the presence of the disease.

If the atherogenic index is below the specified norm, this is not a cause for concern. This result is irrelevant.

Increased atherogenic coefficient, what to do?

If the results of laboratory studies revealed a high coefficient, this indicates that the body produces mainly “bad” cholesterol. Despite the lack of evidence of the direct and main role of fatty alcohol in the formation of cardiovascular diseases and pathologies, it is not worth the risk. Measures should be taken immediately to normalize the indicator.

You can do this in two ways:

Change lifestyle and diet.

Start taking prescription drugs.

Lifestyle

The increase in the index is due to a number of reasons:

The presence of bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use). Psychoactive substances "inhibit" normal fat metabolism and disrupt the synthesis of fats.

Sedentary lifestyle. Hypodynamia entails stagnant processes. Fats and fatty complexes are synthesized too actively.

From this we can conclude that to normalize the index you need:

Lead a more active lifestyle. Feasible physical activity can normalize the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and lipid metabolism. A healthy person is recommended to conduct 4 classes during the week for 35-40 minutes each. If you have a history of diseases, you should consult a doctor to rule out contraindications and select the optimal mode of physical activity.

Give up bad habits.

Diet

It is advisable to limit or completely avoid the following foods:

Sausages;

Fatty dairy products (sour cream, cream, butter);

Products rich in trans fats (margarine, palm oil spreads, etc.)

On the contrary, include in the diet:

Fish. Cod, hake, flounder and others. Frying should be excluded, preferring cooking.

Cereals.

As well as other products containing fats of vegetable, not animal origin.

Taking medications is another way to reduce the atherogenic index. However, statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) have many side effects and should be taken strictly on the advice of a doctor and in a very limited number of cases.

What factors can affect the result of the analysis?

The result will exceed the normal values if:

The patient sits for a long time on a strict diet (close to starvation). To avoid exhaustion, the body begins to break down fat reserves. Lipids enter the bloodstream and can artificially increase the index.

Taking hormonal drugs (steroids).

Nicotine addiction.

Peak hormone-dependent states. Pregnancy, menopause.

The result will be below normal if:

The patient is on a hypocholesterol diet.

The patient is taking statin drugs.

The patient is actively involved in sports (which is rather controversial).

Thus, the index (or coefficient) of atherogenicity is the proportion of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein complex. The indicator characterizes the lipoprotein balance in the body and can help in determining the early stages of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases caused by an increased concentration of cholesterol in the blood.

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University N. I. Pirogov, specialty "Medicine" (2004). Residency at the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

What atherogenic coefficient and why it can be increased? High levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with various diseases of the cardiovascular system. Sometimes people misinterpret the results of a blood test and start harmful self-medication, which can be accompanied by an unnecessary diet.

The value of cholesterol in the body

So what is it atherogenic coefficient and why it can be increased?

Cholesterol in the body performs many functions:

Gives rigidity to phospholipid molecules;
participates in the synthesis of sex hormones;
is the basis of bile acids and;
takes part in the regulation of cell permeability.

A notable feature of cholesterol is its inability to dissolve in water, so it cannot be delivered to cells through the blood. Therefore, cholesterol is in special compounds that tend to dissolve well and be transported with protein. Such compounds are called lipoproteins. They come in different types and differ depending on the mass and degree of solubility:

macromolecular ();
low molecular weight ();
very low molecular weight ().

LDL and VLDL are compounds that are poorly soluble, and the cholesterol in them is prone to precipitation, which leads to atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels. In connection with this separation and the properties of certain cholesterol compounds, it is generally accepted that low molecular weight and very low molecular weight lipoproteins are "bad" fats.

Numerous compounds confirm the relationship between the content of various types of fatty compounds and the main indicators of human health. This dependence leads to the presence of a large amount of OPNP in the blood, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis in the body.

To assess the threat of the development of this disease, in medicine there is a special value - atherogenic coefficient (KA), norm which implies a proportional ratio of "bad" fats to their total amount. Today, this indicator can most accurately tell about the state of fat metabolism, and it can be used to assess the risks of atherosclerosis and other pathologies of the human vascular system.

Atherogenic coefficient - what is it and what is it used for?

The definition of the indicator is necessary for:

Timely diagnosis and identification of the cause of diseases of the thyroid gland, intestines, kidneys and liver;
control in the dynamics of the level of fats and their compounds in the application of drug treatment;
detection of deviations during the initial examination and further diagnostics.

In order to determine the cholesterol coefficient of atherogenicity, a blood test is taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach. Moreover, before this procedure, a person should not eat any food for at least six to eight hours. The study is carried out either according to the Abel method, or according to the Ilk method, and the result is a lipid profile that reflects the level of fractions of various fatty acids. And in particular, it is important for a doctor to know how much blood contains:

The calculation takes place according to a special formula: KA = (total cholesterol (OH) - HDL) / HDL. There is another formula: CA = (LDL + VLDL) / HDL. Both of them allow you to derive the ratio of "bad" fats in relation to the level of total cholesterol in the body.

The norm of the coefficient of atherogenicity the indicator is relative and is calculated individually, but varies between 2-3 units.

Atherogenic index above normal

If a atherogenic coefficient increased, that is, the value of KA = 3 and higher - this means that there is too much “bad” cholesterol in the body, and it should be removed, because it will soon begin to clog blood vessels, limiting blood flow.

Causes of increased cholesterol coefficient of atherogenicity:

lack of physical activity;

obesity, including diabetes mellitus;

bad habits - alcohol and smoking can significantly affect the indicated indicator ();

hereditary factor, when the level of cholesterol in the blood is high due to physiological characteristics;

poor nutrition - eating a lot of animal fats and not eating foods high in vegetable fats;

constant psychological and emotional stress.

When atherogenic index increased and is 3-4 units, it can be influenced by special diets and physical activity. In this case, the following recommendations should be followed:

Eliminate from the diet	Add to diet
sausages	fish products, while cooking food should be boiled and not fried
dairy products high in fat	almonds and walnuts, they can significantly reduce atherogenic index in blood
foods high in trans fats	fruits and vegetables; garlic; cereals; chocolate.

Following such a diet will help reduce the presence of "bad" fat compounds and increase HDL, which will help overcome high coefficient of atherogenicity.

At high cholesterol atherogenic index so-called fast diets, which call for fasting in order to lose weight, are not recommended for use. This approach can only hurt. Since the body will not receive the necessary substances from food, it will be forced to break down the accumulated fat reserves. Such a process can only increase the indicator, and blood test for atherogenic coefficient will be unreliable.

If a atherogenic coefficient over 4 units, in addition to following a diet and an active lifestyle, doctors will recommend drug treatment. Such recommendations should be followed only when under the supervision of a doctor, but it is worth noting that such drugs (to lower blood cholesterol levels) have many side effects, they should be taken only in extreme cases.

Atherogenic index below normal

With a normal atherogenic index of 2-3 units, the value of CA may be reduced. This indicator is not bad and does not mean that pathologies develop in the body, but only indicates some facts. Possible reasons :

consequences after a low-calorie diet;
taking medications before the study that can briefly affect the values in the analysis of blood cholesterol levels.

It should be noted that women are less susceptible to the main negative consequence of the accumulation of harmful fats in the body - atherosclerosis. This is due to the fact that women cholesterol and atherogenic coefficient always lower, due to the positive effect on the walls of blood vessels of the hormone estrogen. The action of the hormone is to give good elasticity to the walls of blood vessels, which prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. During menopause, women can observe an increased level of KA due to the cessation of estrogen release.

And the consequences that occur after this disease, doctors take blood to determine the proportions of lipid groups - the so-called atherogenic index.

For any person, this index is different, this is due to the diet, lifestyle, body weight of the patient, as well as what his physical activity is and whether there are concomitant ailments. You need to know about this indicator for the timely prevention of serious consequences in atherosclerosis.

atherogenicity is a medical term for the relationship between high and low density lipoproteins. For a more accurate understanding of the essence of the blood test, a special index is used.

It is determined by handing over, which is usually taken on an empty stomach. In order for the result to be more accurate, within 8 hours before taking the test, you must refuse to eat and drink.

The index is often determined using the Ilk or Abel method. These methods allow you to determine how much fat-like substances are contained in the body.

The standards of the atherogenic index in any laboratory are "own". They are always indicated on the form with the results of the analyzes, they are due to the equipment used and the method used to calculate the index.

Thanks to a blood test, it is revealed in what proportion the fatty acids are in the examined material when it settles. When studying the results, the doctor pays attention to such indicators:

the total amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream;
HDL;
LDL;

These indicators are necessary for the body to function normally. However, when they are increased or decreased, blood clots can form on the vascular walls.

For example, a high atherogenic index is evidence of high (bad) cholesterol, due to which thrombophlebitis or heart problems develop in the body.

Triglycerides (TG) perform a transporting function. Elevated TG levels indicate that there is a greater risk of atherosclerosis.

What is the relationship between "good" and "bad" cholesterol?

It happens different. In the body of one patient, it is 7, and in another - 4. The total amount of cholesterol (TC) does not allow you to see exactly whether there is a danger of the formation of cholesterol plaques inside the vessel.

For example, when in the first situation an increase in the amount of cholesterol is caused by a high level of HDL, then the possibility of atherosclerosis formation is not high.

This indicator helps transport fats to the liver for processing. With elevated HDL, the patient is said to be anti-atherogenic.

In the second situation, the level of LDL is high, and HDL is reduced. In such a situation, they say that atherogenicity is high.

In order for atherosclerosis to begin to develop, the level of the low molecular weight fraction is not always greatly increased. Due to the low level of HDL, pathological changes in the body are also possible.

To correctly determine the presence of violations, the difference between these indicators is calculated. For example, if the index is 2 mmol / l, LDL will be 2 times higher.

Atherogenic index data:

3 or less- a normal indicator;
3 to 4- high level, reduced by diet and increased physical activity;
over 4- high risk of atherosclerosis, which requires the use of therapy.

Elevated "bad" cholesterol appears with an unbalanced diet. If you eat a lot of fatty foods, there is a violation of lipid metabolism, as a result, the level of LDL increases.

The high molecular weight fraction is produced only by the liver. Such lipids cannot be ingested with food, but polyunsaturated fatty acids belonging to the Omega-3 group and found in fatty fish varieties contribute to an increase in their level.

Who should take this test?

The atherogenic index should be determined by people:

who have close relatives with a violation of the lipid spectrum;
who have been ill with myocardial infarction, suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CHD, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis of different localization);
who suffer from diseases of the renal system (glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure);
with thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism;
suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes;
with gastrointestinal problems such as chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis of the liver;
who are obese or anorexic;
who have gout;
suffering from blood problems such as megaloblastic anemia, multiple myeloma, sepsis;
for a long time using oral contraception;
who have been diagnosed with alcoholism;
who smoke.

How to prepare for a blood draw

To obtain correct and more accurate results, it is necessary to prepare for the delivery of the analysis.

Within 2-3 weeks before donating blood, the patient must strictly adhere to the diet.

If the patient suffers a serious illness or major surgery, testing is postponed for 3 months - with the exception of blood sampling within 12 hours after the crisis. The test is moved for 2-3 weeks if a mild illness has been transferred.

During the day before donating blood, you should give up alcohol, do not eat for 12 hours, and stop smoking for half an hour.

The patient should sleep well and be in a sitting position for 5-10 minutes before donating blood, otherwise the results may be distorted.

What affects the results of the analysis

Any source that affects lipid balance will also affect the final index.

Main factors:

Tobacco smoking. Under its influence, the lipid balance is disturbed, due to which the vascular walls are damaged in the place where the formation of atherosclerotic plaques began.
Unbalanced Diet. It is advisable to give up fatty and fried foods, products rich in simple carbohydrates (sweets, bakery products, honey, sugary drinks, etc.).
The presence of obesity. A person who suffers from this disease does not move much, which also carries a danger, and also eat sweet and fatty foods.
The presence of diabetes. Patients suffering from this disease are at risk for the formation of atherosclerosis, because due to increased sugar in the bloodstream, the vascular walls are damaged, where the attachment of atherosclerotic plaques begins.
Increase in blood pressure. Since the vascular walls have a certain strength, if blood pressure is constantly elevated, they begin to be damaged and atherosclerosis forms in this area.
Fasting for a long time.
The use of oral contraception, anabolics, glucocorticoid drugs such as Prednisolone and Dexamethasone.
Carrying a child.
Relatives with high cholesterol In some cases, a high lipid level is laid down at the genetic level, as a result, the atherogenic index is increased.
Alcohol intake. Today it is the most important source of atherosclerosis in the vessels.

Standards for the coefficient of atherogenicity in female representatives

Men are more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis, for this reason they have higher standards than women. The atherogenic index in females is lower due to the action of estrogens.

Estrogens have a positive effect on the vascular walls, so they provide good elasticity, which is necessary to protect against the appearance of cholesterol plaques. Settling of cholesterol occurs on the damaged area of the vessel.

The loss of elasticity by the vessels leads to the appearance of multiple lesions of their walls, where cholesterol is further fixed.

Due to the natural protection of blood vessels, the fair sex is not as often diagnosed with such ailments as stroke and heart attack.

The atherogenic index is reduced in females only up to the age of 50. When menopause occurs, estrogen no longer protects the vessels, which leads to the formation of atherosclerosis in women in the same way as in men.

Standards for the coefficient of atherogenicity by age categories (mmol / l):

up to 30 years - 2.2 or less;
30 years and older - 2.2-3.2.

When a woman reaches the age of 50, the atherogenic coefficient is calculated according to male standards.

TG standards (mmol/l):

1.78-2.2 is a normal indicator;
2.2-5.6 - increased rate;
above 5.6 - increased density.

Standards for the atherogenic index in males

Women are prone to develop atherosclerosis from the age of sixty, while a similar phenomenon is observed in males at an earlier age.

The coefficient of atherogenicity is high due to the rapid loss of elasticity by the vessels, as a result, the risk of problems with the vessels is increased.

Male representatives in the blood should have the following amount of lipoproteins (mmol / l):

total cholesterol - 3.5-6.0;
HDL - 0.7-1.76;
LDL - 2.21-4.81.

When a man reaches the age of 50-60, the standards may change, as there is a violation of natural processes in protein-fat metabolism.

Standards for the atherogenic index in males by age categories (mmol / l):

20-30 years of age - 2.5;
30 years and older - 3.5.

How to cure a high atherogenic index

To keep the index normal or slightly lower, you need to change your lifestyle and diet. This normalizes the level of lipids in the body and becomes less "bad" cholesterol.

The best option is to do this before atherosclerosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system have developed.

Quit smoking, drinking alcohol, using psychotropic drugs.

Adhere to an active lifestyle, adequate physical activity to eliminate excess fat. Follow a diet rich in unsaturated fats.

Statins are prescribed by a doctor as a medical treatment. These drugs have some contraindications and side reactions, for this reason, it is imperative that you consult a doctor before taking them.

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