What does the coefficient of atherogenicity of blood show. Atherogenic coefficient - normal values. What to do with an increased index

The results of a blood test may indicate "atherogenic coefficient increased" - what is it?

In short, this coefficient indicates the likelihood of developing pathologies of the circulatory system - diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

People with an increased risk of developing diseases of the heart or circulatory system should carefully monitor the atherogenic index - it will help minimize the risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis and other dangerous diseases.

Almost all foods contain three main nutritional groups: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Each of these groups performs a specific function in the body.

Fats are involved in energy metabolism, in the generation of the cell membrane and serve as a kind of energy warehouse (the human body stores excess energy in the form of a fatty layer).

From the stomach, fats enter the liver, where, in a series of several chemical processes, they are encapsulated into proteins, and the resulting lipoproteins enter the bloodstream.

Individual fat molecules do not dissolve in water, and therefore simply cannot enter the circulatory system.

Auxiliary proteins, with which lipoproteins are composed, create a kind of shell around fats, so that they can enter the bloodstream and then be transported to the tissues.

Lipoproteins are usually divided into two large groups: liquid (LDL) and solid (HDL).

In everyday speech, instead of a medical term, the word cholesterol or cholesterol is often used, and instead of dividing into liquid and solid, intuitive classifications of “bad” (harmful, dangerous) cholesterol and “good” (useful) cholesterol are used.

This division is not entirely fair, since both types of lipoproteins perform very important functions in the body. "Bad" cholesterol makes only its excess, and not its own properties.

Liquid lipoproteins (LDL) are the main building blocks of cells. Together with the blood flow, these compounds enter the organs and tissues, where the required amount is used to form cell membranes (shells).

The excess returns to the bloodstream and continues to circulate throughout the body in search of tissues where it is necessary to "finish" the cells.

Liquid cholesterol is involved in the secretion of bile, a digestive fluid necessary for the proper functioning of the intestines and metabolism.

It is with liquid cholesterol that tissues are enriched with antioxidants - substances that neutralize free radicals that are potentially harmful to the body.

Liquid cholesterol contributes to the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, plays an important role in the formation of immunity.

If liquid cholesterol performs so many beneficial functions in the body, then why is it called harmful?

Problems with this type of cholesterol begin when there is more of this substance in the blood than the body needs.

Excess liquid cholesterol continues to circulate in the blood and can attach to the walls of blood vessels, creating small seals.

Such areas are called cholesterol plaques. They not only reduce the patency of blood vessels (create a kind of plug), but also make the vascular tissue less elastic. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Solid cholesterol (HDL) performs a cleaning function in the body. When it enters the bloodstream, it binds excess liquid cholesterol and removes it from the body.

That is why solid cholesterol is called "good" or "useful". An increased content of this compound in the blood reduces the risk of cholesterol plaques and increases the elasticity of blood vessels.

What is the coefficient of atherogenicity?

For a doctor, all three indicators are important: the total amount of cholesterol, the proportion of liquid cholesterol and the proportion of solid.

The coefficient (or index) of atherogenicity is a simple number that shows the ratio of all three indicators.

The coefficient of atherogenicity is calculated in laboratories using a very simple mathematical formula: (total cholesterol - amount of good cholesterol) / amount of good cholesterol.

With the help of such a simple calculation, the doctor can judge the overall health of the cardiovascular system. High coefficient of atherogenicity - these are values ​​\u200b\u200bmore than 3 - 3.5.

This ratio means that there is much more liquid cholesterol in the bloodstream and the body does not have time to remove it, which means that the risk of developing diseases of the circulatory system increases.

The reasons for the increase in the atherogenic index can be very diverse - from metabolic disorders to specific diseases. But the most common factor that increases or decreases this coefficient is nutrition.

The norm of the coefficient of atherogenicity varies depending on age.

For young people under 30, indicators below 2 are considered good, for the elderly - indications up to 3 inclusive should not cause concern. But it is impossible to judge the general health of blood vessels only by this indicator.

The doctor must take into account the patient's medical history, take into account the specifics of nutrition and lifestyle.

Current drug treatment can distort test results - some drugs can underestimate the amount of dangerous cholesterol, but as soon as a person stops taking them, the atherogenic coefficient rises again.

How to prepare for the analysis to determine the coefficient of atherogenicity?

Blood from a vein is used to measure cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Preparation for analysis is simple, the main task is not to distort the results by sudden changes in diet and lifestyle.

It is necessary to donate blood on an empty stomach, that is, 10 to 12 hours after the last meal. 24 hours before blood sampling, it is necessary to give up alcoholic beverages and avoid psycho-emotional overload.

1-2 weeks before the expected date of the test, it is necessary to stabilize nutrition and physical activity.

The atherogenic coefficient is measured to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease in everyday life.

A sharp decrease in fat intake will lead to an underestimated atherogenic index, but as soon as the patient returns to his usual diet, the index will increase again.

The same applies to new physical activities. If you are used to going to the gym 3 times a week, then you should not increase or decrease the number of workouts.

If you do not do sports at all, then do not overload the body with unusual physical exercises.

You will get more pleasant results of the analysis, which will mean little for a realistic assessment of health.

Who needs to be tested?

Everyone should donate blood to measure the atherogenic coefficient, the difference is only in the recommended regularity of the study. After 25 years, it is worth measuring the level of cholesterol in the blood.

If the obtained indicators are within the normal range or lower, then the study can be repeated after 5 years.

If the coefficient is increased, then you should consult a doctor for advice. Most likely, you will be advised to change the diet (eliminate most animal fats) and retake the test after a few months.

After 50 - 55, an analysis for the atherogenic coefficient should be taken more often, even if, according to the results of the analysis, the blood composition is good.

In women, the hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to significant fluctuations in the indicator in a relatively short time.

In men, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is statistically higher, so it is worth monitoring the atherogenic coefficient especially carefully.

People who are at risk should regularly donate blood to assess the risk of developing diseases of the circulatory system.

The most obvious factor is a personal history of cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke).

The family history of diseases of the heart and blood vessels is also important, since the predisposition to these pathologies is inherited.

If close relatives have problems with the circulatory system, then monitoring the atherogenic coefficient is a reasonable preventive measure.

Significant excess weight, especially obesity (when the amount of adipose tissue exceeds 20% of the total weight) is a sign of malnutrition or metabolic disorders.

People who are prone to fullness often have problems with blood vessels, so donating blood for the atherogenic index is worth it regularly.

Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, chronic hypertension, liver disease are all risk factors for the development of pathologies of the circulatory system.

In the presence of these diseases, an analysis for atherogenicity should be taken at least once every 1 to 3 years.

What to do if the coefficient is increased?

By itself, a high coefficient of atherogenicity is not a disease, so treatment as such is not required.

An index greater than 3 means that there is an increased load on the vessels. This will not necessarily lead to atherosclerosis or a heart attack, but the likelihood of such pathologies is much higher.

In order for the treatment to be effective, it is first necessary to establish the reasons for the increase in this indicator.

Most often this is nutrition and lack of physical activity, but the patient may have a metabolic disorder, there may not be enough vitamins, and the secretion of enzymes may be impaired.

Causes may include liver or bowel disease that the patient is unaware of. Therefore, you can independently reduce atherogenicity only in those cases when you are completely confident in your health.

The most obvious and simple treatment is proper nutrition. Since most of the fat comes from food, reducing their share in the daily diet will naturally lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

The most harmful products in this sense are:

• fat meat;
• sausages (especially smoked sausages with abundant fatty layers);
• high-fat dairy products (sour cream, cream, butter);
• synthetic products using animal fat (desserts, margarine, spreads, etc.)

Smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are habits that are harmful not only to blood vessels, but to the whole organism as a whole.

Despite the fact that nicotine temporarily dilates blood vessels, and alcohol promotes the removal of fats from the body, in the long term, these substances provoke the widest range of pathological changes in internal organs, including an increase in cholesterol.

An increase in physical activity is also a good treatment for increased atherogenicity and many other diseases. It is not necessary to go to the gym or do active aerobics every day.

Cross-country skiing, walking at a brisk pace, Finnish walking, swimming are useful exercises that are accessible even to older people.

Many have heard about the dangers of cholesterol and serious diseases associated with it.

Due to the lack of knowledge, some people go on strict diets, begin to clean the vessels with folk methods, or, even worse, take medications that can harm their health.

However, cholesterol is present naturally in the body and performs important functions. It differs in fractions, some of which are beneficial, others harmful. In order to distinguish between good and bad cholesterol, a biochemical blood test is performed, where the atherogenic coefficient (KA) is detected.

The term atherogenicity determines the ratio of cholesterol fractions, where “bad” prevails.

Thus, the calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity allows you to determine the degree of risk of atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol is found in the blood in the form of complex compounds that are soluble. It is in conjunction with proteins, and such a compound is called lipoprotein (lipoprotein).

There are the following lipoproteins:

• high molecular weight HDL are characterized by high density;
• low molecular weight LDL have a low density;
• very low molecular weight VLDL compounds have a minimum density.

In order to determine the risk of vascular disease, it is desirable to calculate all groups of complex compounds (lipoproteins). For a doctor studying a lipid profile, indicators of total cholesterol, its fractions and triglyceride are important. The latter refers to fats and is a product of carboxylic acids and the trihydric alcohol glycerol.

How is the cholesterol coefficient of atherogenicity formed?

Approximately 80% of cholesterol is produced in the liver, gonads, adrenal glands, kidneys and intestines. The rest enters the body with food. Cholesterol interacts with apoliproteins (proteins), forming compounds of high and low density.

If cholesterol enters the body from the outside, then it is part of the chylomicrons, which are synthesized in the intestine. The compound is then released into the blood.

Low molecular weight lipoproteins are transported from the liver to tissues, high molecular weight lipoproteins are transported to the liver, and chylomicrons are transported to the liver and peripheral tissues.

HDL is produced by the liver. Chylomicrons, getting into the liver, are converted into LDL and HDL, depending on the apolyprotein with which cholesterol forms a compound.

Low density lipoproteins are called atherogenic. If they are produced in large quantities, then more fatty acids enter the cells. Fats are removed from cells by binding them to HDL. Once in the liver, cholesterol is finally hydrolyzed.

The atherogenic coefficient shows which lipoproteins are more present in the blood. If low molecular weight, then the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis increases.

The ratio of "good" and "bad" cholesterol

Blood cholesterol levels can vary. For one person, it will be 7 units, for another - 4. The total cholesterol (OH) does not give a complete picture of whether there is a risk of cholesterol deposits in the vessels or not.

For example, if in the first case a high cholesterol level is achieved due to increased HDL, then the likelihood of atherosclerosis is low. High-density lipoproteins are responsible for transporting fats from cells to the liver, where they are processed. If HDL is high, then they talk about anti-atherogenicity.

In the second case, LDL can be increased, and the level of macromolecular compounds is low. This situation characterizes high atherogenicity.

For the development of atherosclerosis, a strong excess of the level of low molecular weight compounds is not necessary. Low HDL levels can also cause pathological processes.

In order to correctly determine whether there are violations or not, the difference between these indicators is calculated. For example, with a ratio of 2 mmol / l, LDL is twice as high.

Indicators of the coefficient of atherogenicity:

• up to 3 - within the normal range;
• up to 4 - an increased indicator, which can be reduced with the help of diets and increased physical activity;
• above 4 - high risk of atherosclerosis, which requires treatment.

High levels of "bad" cholesterol are caused by an unbalanced diet. Eating a large amount of fatty foods disrupts lipid metabolism, which leads to an increase in the amount of low-density lipoprotein.

High-molecular compounds are synthesized only in the liver. They do not come with food, but polyunsaturated fats, which belong to the Omega-3 class and are present in fatty fish, can contribute to an increase in this fraction.

About the causes of atherosclerosis

The main reason for the development of atherosclerosis is considered to be an increased level of low molecular weight fractions of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol settles on the walls of blood vessels, and over time, deposits grow, narrowing the lumen and forming plaques.

In places where cholesterol accumulates, calcium salts are deposited, which cause pathological changes in blood vessels: loss of elasticity and dystrophy.

However, this is not the only cause of atherosclerotic vascular changes. The disease can develop against the background of viral infections, age-related changes, unhealthy lifestyle and a number of diseases. Therefore, we can talk about a group of people who are most susceptible to the development of pathology.

Risk factors:

• heredity;
• age-related changes after 50 years;
• gender (in men, pathology occurs more often);
• increased body weight;
• low level of physical activity;
• diabetes;
• hypertonic disease;
• infections (cytomegalovirus, herpes, chlamydia);
• smoking.

With an atherogenic coefficient above 3 mol / l, cholesterol begins to linger on the walls of the vessels. If this indicator is higher, then the process goes faster.

As a result, cholesterol plaques are formed, which can collapse, turning into blood clots. In this case, a person is diagnosed with such a dangerous disease as thromboembolism, which can lead to sudden death.

Atherogenic index: the norm in women and the reasons for the increase in the atherogenic coefficient

Atherosclerosis of the vessels often affects men, therefore, the norms established for them are higher than for the fair sex. The atherogenic coefficient is lowered in women due to the action of the hormone estrogen.

The hormone has a positive effect on the walls of blood vessels, providing them with good elasticity, which protects against the formation of cholesterol deposits. Cholesterol settles on damaged areas of blood vessels.

If the vessels have become inelastic, then as a result of blood turbulence, multiple damage to the walls occurs, and cholesterol is fixed in these places. Due to the natural mechanism of vascular protection, women are less likely to be diagnosed with diseases such as strokes and heart attacks.

The coefficient of atherogenicity is reduced in women only up to 50 years. After the onset of menopause, the hormone ceases to protect the vessels and women become susceptible to the development of atherosclerosis in the same way as men.

The level of lipoproteins up to 50 years (mmol / l):

• total cholesterol - 3.6-5.2;
• high density lipoproteins - 0.86-2.28;
• low molecular weight compounds - 1.95-4.51.

The calculation of the atherogenic index is carried out according to the formula, where AI is determined by the difference between total cholesterol and high density plipoproteins, divided by the HDL index.

Atherogenic index in women: norm by age (mmol / l):

• up to the age of thirty - up to 2.2;
• after thirty - up to 3.2.

After the age of fifty, the atherogenic index in women is calculated according to the norm for men.

Reasons for the increase in performance in women

The first reason for the increase in CA in women is malnutrition. If the diet contains a lot of fatty foods: pork, butter, sour cream, etc., then this contributes to the accumulation of fats in the body. Cells do not need LDL in large quantities, so they constantly circulate in the blood in large quantities.

Another reason is related to the first. If fat is not consumed as a result of physical activity, then it accumulates in the cells and the level of low molecular weight lipoproteins in the blood also increases.

Smoking slows down the metabolism of fats, which also leads to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. It is noteworthy that alcohol enhances the process of lipid metabolism.

However, you should not use it for this purpose, since alcohol causes other dangerous diseases, and also interferes with the normal functioning of the liver, which is important for the synthesis of HDL.

The reason for the deviation of the atherogenic index from the norm in women may be heredity, which negatively affects lipid metabolism.

One way or another, an increase in CA is promoted by a violation of protein-fat metabolism. Therefore, when analyzing blood, such an indicator as the level of triglycerides is also taken into account.

Norms of triglycerides (mmol / l):

• 1.78-2.2 - the norm;
• 2.2-5.6 - elevated level;
• above 5.6 - high concentration.

On the Internet, women are interested in the question: what to do if the atherogenic coefficient is increased in the form of a blood test. Such an indicator of CA can occur for various reasons, so the approach to treatment should be individualized.

Depending on the value of the coefficient, cholesterol reduction can be achieved with a diet that excludes animal fats, sports or drug therapy aimed at reducing cholesterol synthesis.

In order to exclude the negative effect of cholesterol on blood vessels, concomitant diseases should be treated: cytomegalovirus or chlamydial infection, diabetes mellitus, hypertension. During menopause, women are prescribed estrogen replacement therapy.

Atherogenic coefficient: the norm in men and methods for lowering cholesterol in the blood

If women atherosclerosis of vessels affects after sixty years, then in men it develops earlier. The atherogenic index is increased due to the fact that the vessels lose their elasticity faster, and therefore, the risk of developing vascular pathologies is higher.

The level of lipoproteins in men (mmol / l):

• total cholesterol - 3.5-6.0;
• high density lipoproteins - 0.7-1.76;
• low molecular weight compounds - 2.21-4.81.

After 50-60 years, normal values ​​may change, as the natural processes of protein-fat metabolism are disturbed.

Atherogenic coefficient: norm in men by age (mmol / l):

• 20-30 years - 2.5;
• after thirty years - 3.5.

Reasons for the increase in indicators in men

The causes of an increase in CA, just like in women, are a violation of protein-fat metabolism. These include oversaturation of the body with animal fats, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, smoking and other factors that negatively affect the metabolism of fats.

In some cases, the coefficient of atherogenicity can be increased in the process of taking hormonal drugs. However, this occurs only for the duration of treatment, and after stopping the medication, the patient sees the atherogenic index as the norm on the test form.

In a biochemical blood test in men, the level of lipid energy reserve in the body is also revealed. The norms of triglycerides coincide with the standards established for women.

First of all, men should change their lifestyle: give up bad habits, increase physical activity and reduce the amount of animal fats consumed. Of course, you should not become a vegetarian if you are used to meat.

However, you should choose lean beef or fish and steam rather than fry. If you can’t seriously go in for sports, then regular walking will help. For example, you can walk to work instead of using public transport.

If the CA is exceeded significantly, the doctor prescribes conservative treatment, which consists in taking satins that reduce the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.

Atherogenic index: how to calculate and what to do to reduce it

To determine CA, blood is taken from the patient and a biochemical analysis of the material is performed. Blood is taken from a vein in the morning, as before taking the test, you can not eat for eight hours.

To determine the fractions of lipid compounds in the laboratory, precipitation and photometry methods are used. Then the calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity is performed.

Having become acquainted with the concept of the atherogenic index, we will consider how to calculate it using different formulas below.

The basic formula for the atherogenic index, which is commonly used in the processing of blood test data, is as follows: IA \u003d (Cholesterol - HDL) / HDL, where AI is an atherogenic index, cholesterol is total cholesterol, and HDL is a macromolecular compound.

In some cases, it is required to calculate the atherogenic coefficient index taking into account low and very low density lipoproteins. The latter are detected through an indicator of the concentration of triglycerides. VLDL = TG / 2.2. Thus, the general formula is as follows: AI \u003d (LDL + TG / 2.2) / HDL.

The atherogenic coefficient, the norm of which is exceeded, requires the establishment of the cause of such a condition. Not necessarily there is a violation of lipid metabolism, an increase in CA can be caused by pregnancy or other temporary hormonal disruptions. Therefore, you should not self-medicate, otherwise you can disrupt the natural mechanisms of the body.

In some diseases, treatment with hormonal drugs is prescribed, in which the norm of the atherogenic coefficient increases. The course of treatment is controlled by a doctor who determines the risks, and if another pathology is suspected, the therapy can be changed.

Diets contribute to the reduction of the coefficient of atherogenicity. However, this approach can also have a downside. For example, a severe restriction of a person in fats, on the contrary, provokes an increased production of lipids in the body. Therefore, catering without excess fat should be competent.

Foods to Avoid:

• sausage and other products containing animal fat;
• lard, fatty pork and lamb, butter, sour cream, egg yolks;
• trans fats, which are part of margarine, spreads and other similar products.

Products that need to be consumed to replenish the body with fats:

• sea ​​fish of fatty varieties;
• nuts, especially walnuts;
• vegetable oils: olive, linseed, sunflower.

A good addition to proper nutrition will be green tea and freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables. Do not forget about clean water, which contributes to the natural cleansing of the body. It should be drunk at least 1.5 liters per day, not including other drinks.

If the atherogenic index is significantly increased, then the doctor prescribes drug therapy. Of the drugs, satins are used, which reduce the production of cholesterol, cation exchangers, which bind bile acids in the intestines, and drugs with omega-3 fats, which lower HDL levels.

An alternative to drug treatment is the procedure of mechanical blood purification, which is called extracorporeal hemocorrection. For this purpose, the patient's blood is taken from the vein, passed through special filters and injected back into the vein.

What forms a low coefficient of atherogenicity:

• taking blood tests in the supine position;
• diets that exclude animal fats;
• active sports or other physical activity;
• taking a number of drugs: medicines containing estrogens, colchicine, antifungal agents, clofibrate, satins.

A low atherogenic coefficient characterizes clean vessels and does not require any treatment. Such tests are often observed in young women, and this is considered the norm.

If, against the background of a decrease in total cholesterol levels, HDL decreases, then this cannot be called a good treatment. In this case, taking satins that reduce cholesterol production is considered ineffective and dangerous, since the body is deprived of an important component that regulates natural processes.

Atherogenicity is a concept that reflects the ratio between bad and good fats. To identify this indicator, a special coefficient has been introduced. With the accumulation of "harmful" lipids in the body, the tendency to deposit plaques in the walls of blood vessels increases - atherosclerosis.

The likelihood of deposition of fatty plaques

The coefficient of atherogenicity (CA) is determined on the basis of a biochemical analysis of blood, which is taken in the morning from a vein on an empty stomach. Before the procedure, a person abstains from food for 6-8 hours. To study cholesterol, the Ilk or Abel method is used. The methods reveal the difference between the fat fractions that are formed using photometry and precipitation. The resulting norms are different in each laboratory, but the level of atherogenicity is not distorted.

If you look at the form of a biochemical blood test, next to the current value are the wide limits of the norm, which allow you to unify the method separately for each laboratory.

What it is

Lipidogram reflects the level of lipid fractions (fatty acids) in blood serum after precipitation. The level of such compounds is important for the doctor:

• total cholesterol;
• HDL - high density lipoproteins;
• LDL - low density lipoproteins;
• TG - triglycerides.

Each of them affects the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels. For example, high atherogenicity is determined by the presence of LDL. The HDL faction informs about the opposite. Triglycerides are a transport form. With an increase in their values ​​in the blood, they speak of a high risk of atherosclerosis.

Basics of indicator formation

When fatty acids are ingested with food, they are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract with the help of enzymes and bilirubin. As a result of destruction, glycerol is formed, which interacts with cholesterol. Chylomicrons are formed, they enter the liver and are processed into LDL and HDL.

LDL are atherogenic: the more they are produced in the body, the higher the concentration of fatty acids is delivered inside the cells. Fat residues after conversion are removed by binding to HDL. In this way, the difference in atherogenicity between the content of LDL and HDL reflects the likelihood of atherosclerosis.

Transport form - triglycerides - an indirect indicator that reflects the total level of fat in the body. Determining the magnitude of these compounds is used to diagnose the likelihood of atherosclerosis.

What many people know about cholesterol is that it is bad for our health and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. In this regard, it is necessary to reduce it and exclude the use of products containing cholesterol. All this is true, but this substance is vital for our body. Therefore, the biochemical analysis includes the atherogenic index, which determines the ratio of "good" and "bad" cholesterol in the patient's blood. This makes it possible to form a correct opinion about the state of health of the patient. In which case can we say that the atherogenic coefficient is normal, let's try to figure it out.

The atherogenic coefficient is the ratio between harmful and beneficial cholesterol, with a predominance of indicators of the bad fraction. The calculation of this indicator is necessary to assess the possibility of developing atherosclerosis and its consequences: heart attacks and strokes.

It is especially necessary to dwell on how to correctly calculate the atherogenic index of cholesterol indicators.

There is a simple formula by which it can be calculated:

• IA \u003d (OH - HDL): HDL, where
• IA is an atherogenicity index;
• OH is an indicator of total cholesterol;
• HDL is a high density lipoprotein.

Normal indicators for men have the following values:

• up to 30 years should not exceed 2.5 units;
• from 30 to 40 years, indicators from 2.07 to 4.92 are acceptable;
• 40-60 years old values ​​​​from 3 to 3.5 units are considered normal.

With an increase in the values ​​of the atherogenic coefficient, the representatives of the stronger sex are prescribed additional examinations to identify and eliminate the causes of the development of pathology.

With an increase in the atherogenic index to 4 units, one can speak of the adherence of cholesterol clots to the inner surfaces of blood vessels. They interfere with the normal movement of blood and the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system increases significantly. At the time of active development of the disease, the atherogenic index can be several times greater than 4.

The norm in women

The indicators of the coefficient of atherogenicity in women are lower compared to men, because in the organisms of the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity there is the hormone estrogen, under the influence of which liver tissues produce less cholesterol.

A normal indicator of atherogenicity in women is considered to be:

• 20-30 years up to 2.2 units;
• from 30 to 40 years old, the norm is in the range between 1.88 and 4.4;
• older than 40 years, the coefficient should not exceed 3.2;
• from 50 and older, subject to the onset of menopause, the norm is 3-3.5 and is calculated according to the same principle as for men.

To obtain the correct indicators, the representatives of the weaker sex should not donate blood during menstruation and during pregnancy.

Important! For children under the age of 18, the coefficient should not exceed one.

If above normal, what does it mean?

With an increase in the atherogenic index over 3 units, one can confidently declare the existence of a small lesion of blood vessels. This violation can be corrected with the help of non-drug therapy methods: diet, sports, refusal of bad habits.

When the index approaches 4, then we can talk about the possibility of developing atherosclerotic plaques.

Exceeding the norm of the atherogenic index indicates the possibility of developing vascular and heart diseases. An index of 4 indicates that there are already atherosclerotic plaques on the vascular walls and the risk of developing a heart attack and stroke is quite high. Drug therapy with the use of fibrates, statins, nicotinic acid, anticoagulants, vitamin-mineral complexes is necessary.

Exceeding the coefficient of atherogenicity up to 7 units requires surgical treatment to prevent malfunctions in the heart.

If it's below normal, what does it mean?

A reduced atherogenic index (from 2 and below) is not dangerous for the body. This indicates that the blood vessels are clean and there is no threat of atherosclerosis.

Downgrading the index level can be due to several reasons that cannot be ignored:

• taking statins to lower blood lipid levels;
• a patient with excess body weight goes in for sports;
• long-term low-cholesterol diet;
• erythromycin, antifungal drugs and estrogens can reduce the atherogenic index.

This same index can change over time. In the treatment of obesity, it decreases. With heavy physical work or uncontrolled sports loads, it also decreases. And if you just have a good rest and eat, everything will immediately return to normal.

In men, the coefficient of atherogenicity may decrease from morning exercises or jogging. Before passing the analysis, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor and not be zealous with physical exertion. If this happened, then it is safe to say that the man ate food containing little lipids for a long time.

When treating fungal diseases with medication, the index will decrease. Preparations based on erythromycin also lower the values ​​of the atherogenic index.

A decrease in the level of atherogenicity in women indicates the depletion of the body. This may be due to the consumption of low-fat food, that is, during the diet. Moreover, they themselves invent it for themselves. Do not consult a doctor. The result is exhaustion.

Sometimes the coefficient of atherogenicity decreases in athletes, with a significant increase in loads during preparation for competitions.

In addition, the use of hormonal contraceptives containing estrogens can lower the index. In this case, the test result is not valid and does not matter.

Separately, it must be said about vegetarians. They also have a reduced coefficient of atherogenicity. The fact is that these people do not consume animal fats. Vegetable oils are rarely used. With such a diet, the body is in a state of constant exhaustion. The reduced index of atherogenicity is a direct proof of this. To bring the body back to normal, it is urgent to change the diet, diversify it with products containing fats. The help of a nutritionist will not be superfluous.

Important! Vegetarianism is especially harmful for children, because lipoproteins are important for a growing organism. After all, they are necessary for the construction of new cells and are the basis of cell membranes. Thanks to them, vital metabolic processes take place in the body.

What to do if the atherogenic index is not normal

With a decrease, it is necessary to eat food with a normal fat content. This should be done under the guidance of a dietitian. Independent transition from a "hungry" diet to the use of everything and in any quantities can lead to an increase in blood sugar and the development of diabetes. The level of low density lipoproteins will sharply increase, which is dangerous for the development of atherosclerosis.

It's hardest for athletes. All problems with a decrease in the atherogenic index in them should be resolved by a sports doctor. It is impossible to reduce physical activity, but it is quite possible to change the diet. The fact is that most of the fat will eventually turn into the energy that athletes need to win. Apparently it is worth thinking about changing the menu and introducing products containing “good” lipoproteins into it.

The main condition for all patients is compliance with the rules for donating blood for tests, and for determining the atherogenic coefficient in particular.

1. One day before donating blood for analysis, fatty foods should be removed from the diet. Dinner should consist of simple and light dishes: cereals and vegetables.
2. On the day before the test and on the day of the test itself, refuse to perform physical exercises and try to do without psycho-emotional shocks.
3. Do not smoke 30 minutes before blood test.
4. Do not eat or drink.
5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for a day before donating blood for analysis.
6. Sit down and sit still for 5 minutes before taking blood.

To make sure that the analysis is correct, you can take it again at another medical institution.

Important! A decrease or increase in the atherogenic coefficient is equally bad for the body. This must not be forgotten.

This is how a serious disease develops in a person - atherosclerosis, which is dangerous due to thrombosis, breakage of blood clots and blockage of the vascular bed by them.

About 80% of cholesterol is produced inside the body. The main supplier of lipid is the liver. Approximately 20% of the lipid substance comes into the blood along with the food that a person consumes daily. Dietary cholesterol mainly comes from the proteins and fats of animal products. The main biochemical function of an organic compound is its conversion into the most important sex hormones - progesterone and corticosteroids. With the participation of a lipid substance, bile acid and the synthesis of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) are formed.

There is practically no free cholesterol in the body; it is present to a greater extent in biochemical compounds represented by a complex of complex proteins and fats.

The protein-lipid complex is called lipoproteins. Since the composition of lipoproteins can have a different ratio of proteins and fats, this affects their fraction or, in other words, density. Based on the density of an organic compound, the complexes are classified into two groups:

• high-density lipoproteins (HDL) - "good" cholesterol;
• low density lipoproteins (LDL) - "bad" cholesterol.

The main cause of vascular lesions with atherosclerotic plaques is "bad" cholesterol, the excess of which penetrates into the thickness of the vascular wall and is deposited there in the form of fat accumulations. Having this property, lipoproteins from this group received the appropriate name. In normal amounts, LDL works exclusively for the benefit of the body.

What does "bad", "good" and "total" cholesterol mean?

As mentioned above, lipoproteins in the body are represented by two structurally different types: low and high density. Both types are equally important for the normal functioning of the human biological system: they serve to transport cholesterol to the cells of the tissues of internal organs and systems, due to which the formation and renewal of cell membranes, nerve fiber endings, the synthesis of steroid hormones and vitamin D3.

Since lipoproteins are carried by the blood, their main route of movement is large and medium-sized arteries and vessels. It is here, in the vascular bed, that unfavorable delays of “bad” cholesterol and its excessive accumulation develop. This is due to an imbalance in the level of concentration in the blood of two lipoproteins.

"Bad" cholesterol

The lipoid substance is part of the low-density lipoprotein complex. LDL is responsible for the transport of "bad" cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the internal organs. When their content exceeds the permissible values, they become a real threat to vascular formations, clogging the wall shell from the inside with fat-like accumulations. Which, in fact, leads to a violation of the integrity of blood vessels and the formation of blood clots in them. The unit of concentration of "bad" cholesterol in laboratory analysis can be represented in two forms: mmol / l or mg / dl.

• Good LDL values ​​are less than 3.9 mmol/L (159 mg/dL). If, during a study, a low-density compound level above the established mark was found in a person, this is already a pathological sign, which requires urgent therapeutic intervention - the appointment of medications or a special therapeutic diet and physical education. But medications should be resorted to in cases where it is not possible to adjust cholesterol levels with the help of proper nutrition and physical activity.
• LDL values ​​for the cores should be strictly controlled by patients and kept within the maximum limits - 2.5 mmol / l (100 mg / dl). This is the highest threshold in the presence of pathologies such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, angina pectoris, as well as with previous heart attacks and strokes.
• The limiting content of LDL in people at risk - with a hereditary predisposition to diseases of the heart and blood vessels - is 3.4 mmol / l (140 mg / dl).

"Good" cholesterol

This type of cholesterol is included in the high-density lipid-protein complex (HDL). A biologically active compound useful for humans, which is called "good" cholesterol, has an invaluable role for the body - to bind and remove a fat-like antipode substance from the vascular bed. High-density lipoproteins act as reverse guides for “bad” cholesterol to the liver, where they are subsequently utilized without problems.

Atherosclerosis can affect the vessels of the brain and heart, and not necessarily only with a deviation towards an increase in LDL values, but also with a reduction in the production of "good" cholesterol. The most critical situation that occurs in medical practice in most cases, if in the analysis of the lipid profile in a man or woman, problems with cholesterol of both forms are detected at the same time: the concentration of HDL is reduced, and the level of LDL is increased.

The synthesis of “good” cholesterol occurs solely at the expense of the body itself, and this substance is not found in foods, so it will not work to compensate for its lack with cholesterol-containing food. But there are certain types of foods that can help stimulate the natural production of a high-density fat-like substance. For example, vegetable or fish sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the Omega-3 class.

"Good" cholesterol, which helps fight excess "bad" protein-fat compounds, can be increased through physical aerobic activity. From this it follows that in order to neutralize the harmful substance, it is necessary to activate the work of the muscles through sports activities. Thanks to this, the body is enriched with “good” cholesterol, which will remove and neutralize “bad” lipoproteins. Physical education for both women and men is one of the effective ways to positively influence the values ​​of two types of cholesterol without the use of drugs. It is very useful to engage in moderate-intensity cardio for patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, of course, without fanaticism and only with the permission of the attending physician.

• The lower limit for HDL (“good” cholesterol) for men and women who do not have heart problems should be at least 1.03 mmol / l (40 mg / dl). This is the lowest value that is still included in the boundary level of HDL concentration. The numbers below - pathology, above - a good indicator.
• The level of HDL in cardiac pathologies, including after a heart attack and stroke, should not fall below 1.03 mmol / l (40 mg / dl), ideally, the units of "good" cholesterol should be close to 1.5 mmol / l (60 mg/dl).

Total cholesterol (OH)

It is not difficult to understand what the word “total” means in the name of a fat-like substance, this is the total value of lipoproteins of two forms - low density and high density. In a diagnostic study of venous blood for cholesterol, its total concentration is indicated in similar units of measurement and serves to identify the patient's predisposition to the development of cardiovascular pathologies.

• Acceptable OH values, indicating a healthy body, will not cross the maximum acceptable limit of 5.2 mmol / l or 200 mg per deciliter.
• When the total cholesterol value is too high, that is, it goes above the lower limit of 5.2 mmol / l, there is a threat of atherosclerosis. Up to 6.2 mmol / l - the risk is medium, above this figure - the risk is quite high.

Due to the fact that pathological disorders associated with abnormal cholesterol values ​​are mostly asymptomatic, this makes it difficult to identify them in the early stages. It turns out that NP lipoproteins will seep into the walls of blood vessels all this time and accumulate in them. Protracted pathogenesis, having reached the stage when the movement of blood through the vessels becomes difficult, only then will it suddenly manifest itself in the form of a heart attack. And on a blood test, a man or woman who suddenly and for inexplicable reasons developed heart pain, suddenly finds out that they have prohibitively high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol control: who needs to be on the lookout?

In order to prevent and start the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in large vessels, and in fact they contribute to the formation of blood clots and critical circulatory disorders with the onset of a heart attack and stroke, each person must monitor their own cholesterol levels. It is especially important to take tests for lipoproteins (at least 2 times a year) for men after 40 years, and for women with the onset of menopause, even if they feel well. The risk of developing dangerous pathologies of large main vessels, which is caused by high cholesterol, is present in the following category of people:

• smokers;
• hypertension;
• pensioners;
• people with heart pathologies;
• overweight persons;
• male after 40 years;
• women who have gone through menopause;
• people of retirement age;
• persons prone to hypodynamia.

Everyone who saw themselves at risk should visit the hospital regularly every six months to take a venous blood test for the concentration of lipoproteins. The sampling of biological material (blood) is small - 5 ml, which is carried out purely on an empty stomach. The last meal should be no later than 12 hours before the diagnosis. It is important to reduce physical activity for the same period so that the results are reliable.

Of course, not every person due to various reasons (poor health, lack of time, etc.) can stand in line at our clinics to get tested for cholesterol. In order to save time and nerves, it is advisable to buy a portable device designed for self-monitoring of cholesterol levels in the blood at home using strips (test strips). Using a mobile device will not cause difficulties even for older people.

Table of cholesterol in the blood by age

Blood test indicators for cholesterol

To identify the presence of deviations in the cholesterol balance is available only through a blood test in the laboratory. So, there are three main indicators of the protein-fatty compound, these are:

• total cholesterol - the total concentration of HDL and LDL;
• cholesterol "good" - the value of HDL;
• cholesterol "bad" - the value of LDL.

Each of the three indicators has its own acceptable range of normal values, both for women and men. Please note that it is the interval, and not a specific figure. If during the examination in the analysis there is an indicator that is between the minimum and maximum values, then the cholesterol level is within the normal range. Below we consider the permissible concentration of each type of lipoprotein in the blood. It is worth noting that in men, the level of cholesterol in three characteristics will be slightly different from female indicators.

Table of lipoprotein norms for women and men

The state of protein-fat metabolism is also judged by the quantitative indicator of the lipid energy reserve in the body, which in the analyzes is called triglycerides (TG). The norms of triglycerides in the blood of the female and male are identical:

• a good triglyceride level will range from 1.78-2.2 mmol/l;
• moderately high TG levels are values ​​​​in the range of 2.2-5.6 mmol / l;
• a significantly increased concentration of TG will show numbers above 5.6 mmol / l.

Cholesterol atherogenic index

The atherogenic index is calculated to determine the likelihood of atherosclerosis. What does atherogenic cholesterol mean? This is the ratio (balance) of two forms of cholesterol opposite in density. To calculate the cholesterol index, you need to know simple mathematics.

That is, in order to calculate the atherogenic index (AI), it is necessary to divide the difference between total cholesterol (TC) and VP lipoproteins by the number of high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Table of norms of the atherogenic index for men and women

If a person's AI slightly goes beyond the specified allowable values, he should urgently review his diet in order to prevent the development of atherosclerosis or stop it in time at the inception stage. In the case when the atherogenic index has reached 4 and above, this already indicates a strong violation of the blood supply to the myocardium (the presence of cardiac ischemia) due to the onset of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.

Related publications

We treat herpes on the lips quickly and effectively

When herpes jumps up on the face, it causes an uproar, especially among the female representatives. And…

Causes, types, symptoms and diagnosis of chickenpox

Chicken pox, or chicken pox, is a disease of viral origin, characterized by specific rashes all over the body.

Chickenpox in a child

A disease of childhood with memorable symptoms - numerous rashes all over the body in the form of itchy ...

Atherogenic coefficient - what is it? What is the norm?

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?

The atherogenic coefficient 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, remember 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:

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.

Nuts (almonds, walnuts). Nuts contain monosaturated fatty compounds and can reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Fruits vegetables. Especially beets. Potatoes are not recommended.

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.

Found a mistake in the text? Select it and a few more words, press Ctrl + Enter

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).

Peak hormone-dependent states. Pregnancy, menstruation, 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.

Doctors talk about an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood when the indicators exceed the norm by more than a third. In healthy people, the cholesterol level should be less than 5.0 mmol / l (you can find out more here: the norm of cholesterol in the blood by age). However, it is dangerous.

Few people actually know what cholesterol is. However, ignorance does not prevent the majority from considering it an extremely harmful and dangerous substance to health. Cholesterol is a fatty alcohol. Both in domestic and foreign medical practice, a different name for the substance is also used - “cholesterol”.

Cholesterol is a highly controversial chemical compound. By its nature, this organic substance is an alcohol. For the most part, cholesterol is produced by the human body (liver, almost 75%) and comes in small quantities with food: fatty meat, etc. (about 25%). Cholesterol itself is neither "bad" nor "good". On the one hand, this substance is involved in.

Descriptions of most statins contain information that indicates the beneficial properties of drugs. Reducing the risk of heart disease, normalizing cholesterol levels, preventing heart attacks - all these effects are provided by the means of this pharmacological group, if.

Good cholesterol is dense and hard, so on the contrary, like a dish brush, it cleans debris from the inner surface of blood vessels. That is why it is safe to say that it is not only excess that leads to negative health consequences.

With high cholesterol, it is very difficult to follow the usual regime that you followed before the illness. You need to follow a certain diet, look for products that contain special substances. Meanwhile, these products are very expensive. Medicines are also not cheap, and theirs.

The information on the site is intended for familiarization and does not call for self-treatment, a doctor's consultation is required!

The coefficient of atherogenicity is increased: what is it and 3 indicators

You can find out the level of atherogenicity after receiving the results of a blood test. The development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, cardiac ischemia can be prevented in advance and their negative consequences can be avoided by timely determining the amount of cholesterol (cholesterol) in the blood. It is important to note that there is a so-called “good” and “bad” cholesterol. It is the predominance of "bad" cholesterol that leads to a deterioration in health.

Atherogenic index: what does it mean

The level of cholesterol (cholesterol) is determined by a blood test for biochemistry. There are generally accepted values ​​​​of indicators (measurement in mmol / l) indicated in the table.

Deciphering the lipid profile indicators can only be correctly carried out by a doctor.

Cholesterol is an organic compound synthesized by the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, and also enters the human body with food.

Promotes the production of vitamin D, hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, bile acids. In its pure form, cholesterol cannot be delivered to tissues through the blood, so it is transported as part of protein-lipid complexes (lipoproteins). The more cholesterol in such complexes, and the less protein, the lower their density, and therefore, lipoprotein compounds of low, very low (LDL, VLDL), high density (HDL) are distinguished.

HDL and LDL: what is it?

High density lipoproteins are mostly protein. They do not settle on the walls of blood vessels, but on the contrary, they pick up other fats and send them for further synthesis in the liver. Therefore, HDL not only does not contribute to the development of the disease, but also prevents them.

The level of HDL and LDL may differ slightly from the norm depending on the age and physiological characteristics of the body.

Low density and very low density lipoproteins consist of 75% fat and only 25% protein.

An increased level of such compounds can cause fat deposits on the walls of blood vessels and arteries. The level of LDL is directly proportional to the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In this disease, LDL is deposited in the lumen of blood vessels, forming cholesterol plaques. In the future, blockage of the vessel occurs.

The following factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis:

• Smoking;
• Hypertension;
• Diabetes;
• Obesity;
• Lack of physical culture;
• Improper nutrition;
• Heredity;
• Postmenopause.

The defeat of the arteries gradually leads to ischemia of the heart, stroke, gangrene of the extremities. The level of various lipoproteins is determined by the lipidogram. In adults, the following levels of LDL are distinguished: optimal - up to 2.59 µmol / l; permissible - 2.59-3.34 µmol / l; borderline - 3.35-4.12 µmol / l; high - more than 4.12 µmol / l. HDL levels: dangerous - up to 1.0 mmol / l; medium - 1.0-1.5 mmol / l; protective - more than 1.55 mmol / l.

If LDL is elevated - what does it mean

Many experts identify two main reasons for the increase in LDL: a hereditary predisposition and an unhealthy lifestyle (consumption of too fatty, sweet foods, smoking).

In fact, there are other factors that affect the increase in LDL levels:

• After surgery;
• During pregnancy;
• Improperly balanced diet;
• Stenting operations;
• Stress;
• Diseases of the gallbladder.

An elevated LDL level in people suffering from jumps in blood pressure may indicate a very close onset of a cerebral hemorrhage or a previous heart attack.

It is possible to conduct a second blood test, and only after reaching full confidence in the test results, the doctor prescribes treatment.

The cardiovascular system suffers most from an increase in “bad” cholesterol: the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, blood clots appear, atherosclerosis develops, and the risk of a heart attack increases. Its increase can manifest itself in the form of dizziness, headache. You can avoid all these problems if you try to lower your LDL in the early stages of the disease.

When HDL is lowered - what does it mean

Blood biochemistry can also reveal a decrease in HDL. Based on the results of the analysis alone, it is impossible to say about the significance of this aspect, but it makes sense to assume that the subject has some diseases that can become a factor in the deviation of the indicator.

• Atherosclerosis disease;
• Diseases of the endocrine system;
• Diseases of the gallbladder, ways;
• Liver disease;
• Infections in the acute period;
• Psycho-emotional stress;
• Side effects of certain drugs.

A person will not feel a decrease in the level of HDL in the blood on his state of health. A manifestation can be considered a decrease in blood flow to some tissues of the body (ischemia) with a long deficiency of this compound. This is why the low level of the indicator is dangerous, because when the clinical picture emerges, health is already undermined.

Therefore, in order to avoid tissue damage by coronary disease, it is necessary to control the level of "good" cholesterol in the blood.

This will allow you to take timely measures to adjust the level of HDL. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe a diet, give recommendations on lifestyle, and prescribe medication. Preventive measures will significantly reduce the risk of developing disorders in the circulation of the brain, arteries, and myocardial infarction.

Atherogenic coefficient - what is it

To determine the degree of progression of the atherosclerotic process in the human body, physicians use the atherogenic index. The coefficient or index of atherogenicity is calculated from the main biochemical parameters of blood: total, good, bad cholesterol. It is the ratio between the indicators of "bad" and "good" cholesterol that represents the coefficient of atherogenicity.

Here is the calculation formula: atherogenicity \u003d (Cholesterol total - HDL) / HDL

Or apply the following formula: atherogenicity = (LDL + VLDL) / HDL

If the calculated value is:

1. 2-3, then this is the norm of the index.
2. 3-4. This means that the degree of vascular damage is insignificant, the development of atherosclerosis is unlikely. It is possible to get by with strengthening preventive measures: diet, sports, avoidance of AP.
3. more than 4 - the likelihood of developing diseases is very high, it is also necessary to use medications.

A blood test for the lipid spectrum is carried out in vitro, i.e. blood is taken and its composition is analyzed in an artificial environment. Sometimes the analysis has to be done more than once. Therefore, for a more truthful reflection of the indicators, it is necessary to follow some tips: before donating blood, do not eat for 14 hours; give up very fatty foods the day before the test; avoid physical activity for 1 week before the date of delivery; do not smoke one hour before taking a blood test.

Why is the atherogenic coefficient increased and what does it mean

If the result of the CA calculation exceeds 4, then we can talk about the beginning of the deposition of cholesterol plaques in the vessels. Often, many people maintain a low atherogenic index, although they lead a free lifestyle, without limiting themselves to anything, and for some, with all their efforts, it grows. Everything is very individual.

As already mentioned, elevated LDL levels are inherent in people who have:

• Hereditary diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
• Constant stress;
• Excess weight;
• Smoke, drink alcohol;
• Diseases of the endocrine system.

The coefficient of atherogenicity can be increased due to bad habits

Sometimes, an increase in the level of the coefficient of atherogenicity can occur as a result of taking medications prescribed by a doctor. It could be hormonal drugs. If you follow the doctor's recommendations, then lipid metabolism disorders will be short-lived and will not exceed the permissible limits. The cholesterol index rises if a blood test is performed in conditions dependent on hormones: pregnancy, menstruation.

What does it mean: the atherogenic index is lowered

If the calculation of the CA is below the established norm, it is impossible to talk about the development of any diseases. In this case, there are no fears regarding the appearance of atherosclerosis. KA is also lower than 2, because in healthy young women it mainly varies within 1.7 -1.9. And this is absolutely normal and indicates the presence of elastic vessels, without any lesions. But with age in women as a result of hormonal changes, the picture can change.

Also, a decrease in KA can occur as a result of:

• Long-term rejection of "harmful" fats;
• Treatment with statin medications;
• Sometimes active sports.

When conducting lipid-lowering therapy, CA is the main indicator that determines its effectiveness. It helps the attending physician to control the treatment process and correctly select medications that will help reduce LDL and increase HDL. If during treatment the level of HDL decreases, then it should be assumed that the treatment is chosen incorrectly and may even harm the patient. Such treatment, for example, does not make sense to continue and other drugs must be prescribed.

The coefficient of atherogenicity is increased what is it (video)

Self-treatment with statin medications is unacceptable. The patient can independently reduce the value of CA by such methods as a balanced diet, quitting smoking, alcohol, and playing sports.

Attention, only TODAY!

Add a comment

High coefficient (index) of atherogenicity

Atherosclerosis is a disease, the dangerous consequences of which have been discussed recently. It has been established that people suffering from atherosclerosis have an increased atherogenic coefficient (CA). They are 6-8 times more likely to see a doctor with symptoms of coronary heart disease, and 4 times more likely to be hospitalized with suspected myocardial infarction or stroke. The pathogenetic mechanism of the development of the disease consists in impaired fat metabolism and the formation of so-called “cholesterol plaques” on the inner surface of the vessels, which significantly narrow the lumen of the vessels, disrupt the blood supply to all organs and can increase the risk of acute diseases of the heart and brain.

It is possible to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular complications of atherosclerosis in each individual patient by determining the coefficient (index) of atherogenicity. A high atherogenic coefficient is a reason to start treatment aimed at lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Atherogenic coefficient - a key indicator of the lipid profile

The coefficient of atherogenicity is an integral formula for the ratio of high and low density lipoproteins, reflecting the degree of development of atherosclerosis.

All lipids in the body either come from food or are synthesized in the liver. Since fats are hydrophobic in nature, they cannot circulate freely in the blood. For their movement, special carrier proteins, apoproteins, are required. The chemical combination of lipids and proteins is called lipoprotein.

According to the molecular structure, fats can have different densities. Therefore, all fats circulating in the blood are divided into high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). LDL and VLDL are considered "bad" fats. In excess, they settle on the walls of the arteries, strengthened by connective tissue, calcifications and form atherosclerotic (cholesterol) plaques. Such plaques significantly narrow the lumen of blood vessels, disrupting the blood supply to organs and tissues. The heart and brain are especially affected, constantly needing large amounts of oxygen and nutrients. High-density lipoproteins, on the contrary, are called "useful" lipids, as they carry fat into the cells of the body and, consequently, reduce its concentration in the blood and cleanse the vessels of fresh lipid deposits.

The atherogenic coefficient is an indicator of the ratio of "useful" and "harmful" fats. It is determined after receiving the results of a biochemical blood test for lipids and is calculated by the formula:

KA = (total cholesterol - HDL) / HDL

CA \u003d (LDL + VLDL) / HDL (the formula requires an extended lipid profile with the study of not only high-density lipoproteins, but also low-density lipoproteins).

Its rate depends on the equipment of a particular laboratory, but on average it is 2-3. With an insufficient level of HDL, it will be elevated. In some cases, it can reach 7-8 and requires serious therapeutic measures. A reduced coefficient of atherogenicity in medical practice is rare.

What does a high atherogenic index mean?

An increased level of atherogenicity coefficient is an unfavorable sign. Since this is an integral value, it can fluctuate throughout life and be different even in patients with the same cholesterol level. For example, the index of cholesterol in the blood of both visitors to the clinic is 5.5 mmol / l. In one of them, it is represented mainly by high-density lipoproteins, therefore, the atherogenic index will be within the normal range, and the risk of developing atherosclerosis will be low. On the contrary, with the predominance of LDL over HDL, even with a normal cholesterol level, the coefficient will be increased, and the patient will be recommended treatment aimed at lowering it.

If the atherogenic index is elevated at high values ​​of total cholesterol, this means that the patient has most likely already developed atherosclerosis, and the risk of developing cardiovascular complications is extremely high.

Thus, the atherogenic index can be called a prognostic indicator: it assesses the risk of complications of atherosclerosis (acute myocardial infarction, stroke) in a patient with high cholesterol. High cholesterol is not always a symptom of atherosclerosis. If it is formed mainly due to HDL, the risk of vascular disease is small. More dangerous is the predominance of LDL in the structure of fats present in the body. If the atherogenic index is elevated, it is necessary to contact your doctor to draw up a plan of treatment and preventive measures.

Reasons for increasing the coefficient

An increased atherogenic index often goes unnoticed by the patient. The main risk factor is a lifestyle that is formed in childhood, and a person follows it throughout his life. Therefore, when detecting elevated lipid parameters in the patient's blood, it is recommended to check his family members.

Causes of increased atherogenic coefficient:

1. Wrong eating habits. Of course, fats are an important and necessary substance for a person that performs many functions in the body (for example, cholesterol is a building material for cell membranes and adrenal hormones, LDL is a transport form of fats that delivers them from the small intestine for further biochemical transformations to the liver, HDL - lipoprotein, which transports fats from the liver to cells throughout the body). Therefore, it is possible and even necessary to include fats in your daily diet. But not all fats are created equal. The reason for the increased coefficient of atherogenicity is the excessive consumption of animal fats contained in fatty meat, lard, bacon, offal (kidneys, brains), sausages, butter, fat milk and dairy products, egg yolk.
2. Arterial hypertension can also increase the coefficient of atherogenicity. According to statistics, high blood pressure is a problem for 35-40% of people in developed countries over 45 years old. Pressure more than 140/90 mm Hg. Art. provokes increased vascular tone, which negatively affects the blood supply to organs and tissues. The fact is that the arteries are designed for a certain pressure: their short-term narrowing is possible during sports or stressful situations, such a load “mobilizes” the internal reserves of the body, redistributing the blood flow. In arterial hypertension, constantly increased vascular tone contributes to their damage, and low-density lipoprotein molecules quickly settle on microtraumas.
3. Smoking can also increase the atherogenic coefficient. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke leads to a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and permanent microdamage to blood vessels. Lipids, together with platelets, quickly fill these lesions, and an atherosclerotic (cholesterol) plaque is formed.
4. Alcohol abuse leads to a pathological redistribution of vascular pressure. Peripheral (superficial) arteries expand, and visceral arteries that feed the heart, brain and other internal organs narrow. Thus, the blood supply to organs and systems is disturbed, microdamages are formed in the constricted vessels, and cholesterol plaques are formed.
5. Another reason for the increased rate is type II diabetes. This metabolic disease is characterized by an excess of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Its molecules damage the delicate inner wall of the arteries, and a large number of cholesterol plaques form. In addition, in diabetes, not only carbohydrate, but also fat metabolism is disturbed: patients with this disease are prone to obesity even when dieting. An excess of lipids in the body with diabetes can also lead to an increased coefficient.
6. Obesity is another reason that can increase the atherogenic coefficient. There are several factors leading to obesity, the most common are alimentary (regular consumption of high-calorie, fat-rich foods) and endocrine (various violations of the hormonal regulation of vital processes). With obesity, the level of lipids in the blood increases, the risk of an increased indicator and the development of atherosclerosis increases.
7. Family history. Doctors note that most often the atherogenic coefficient is increased in people whose close blood relatives suffered from atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and suffered one or more heart attacks or strokes. Therefore, all persons with a burdened family history are recommended to undergo regular examinations and take tests for cholesterol and lipid profile.
8. A sedentary lifestyle relatively recently began to be attributed to factors that can increase the coefficient of atherogenicity. It has been proven that people who lead an active lifestyle are less likely to experience an increased level of atherogenicity.

All these causes affect the body for a long time, so an increase in the atherogenic coefficient is more common in people over 40 years of age. However, in the last decade, an increased atherogenic index has also been found in adolescents, so the study of the lipid profile is becoming increasingly popular.

What is the danger of increasing the coefficient

For years, an increased level of atherogenicity is asymptomatic, so many people get the impression that this condition is not dangerous and does not require treatment. It is for this misconception that atherosclerosis has received the name "gentle killer", since the danger of cholesterol plaques and a high coefficient of atherogenicity lies in serious complications that can lead to death.

Complications of an increased atherogenic coefficient:

1. 1. Acute myocardial infarction. The heart muscle is the most enduring in the body. She does a colossal job of pumping a huge amount of blood throughout a person's life. Therefore, the blood supply to the tissues of the heart must occur without delay. Oxygenated blood flows to the heart through the coronary arteries.

With an increased coefficient of atherogenicity, there is a high risk of formation of cholesterol plaques on the inner surface of all vessels of the body, including coronary ones. Even a slight narrowing of the lumen of the arteries that feed the heart leads to serious disturbances in its blood supply. They are manifested by pulling, burning pains behind the sternum, aggravated by physical exertion. If the lumen of the coronary arteries is literally “clogged” with fatty deposits, sooner or later such a serious disease as myocardial infarction may occur.

Myocardial infarction is the death of the heart muscle, which occurs suddenly and is characterized by severe, unbearable pain behind the sternum, perspiration, cold sticky sweat. If the area of ​​necrosis (tissue death) is significant, then the heart cannot cope with its work, heart failure and death may develop.

Recovery of patients after myocardial infarction is long and difficult. Such patients require lifelong follow-up by a cardiologist and regular rehabilitation.

1. Stroke, or acute cerebrovascular accident. The brain is another organ that needs a regular supply of oxygen, glucose, and nutrients. Insufficient blood supply to the nervous tissue in atherosclerosis can lead to such an acute condition as a stroke - the death of a section of brain tissue with the development of neurological symptoms - paralysis, loss of consciousness, swallowing and breathing disorders, up to coma and death.

How to reduce the coefficient of atherogenicity: principles of treatment

If an elevated HDL level is observed in blood tests, the atherogenic coefficient is also likely to be higher than normal. Therefore, the main goal of treatment with a high atherogenic index is to reduce the concentration of "harmful" lipoproteins and total cholesterol in the blood by increasing the "useful" HDL.

The atherogenic coefficient can be reduced by the following general measures:

1. Diet. Reducing high cholesterol is a long process. The first step is always non-drug treatment and, in particular, diet. Therapists recommend limiting or completely eliminating cholesterol-rich foods from the diet - fatty pork and lamb meat, lard, bacon, sausages and sausages, heavy cream and other dairy products, egg yolk. All these substances are a source of a large amount of cholesterol and are undesirable with a high coefficient of atherogenicity. On the contrary, include in the diet foods rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids and HDL. These include: vegetable oils (doctors recommend making vegetable salads daily, dressing them with sunflower or olive oil), red fish, nuts.
2. Lifestyle change. To reduce the rate, you need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. It is recommended to take daily walks in the fresh air, do light exercises, engage in sports agreed with the doctor (swimming, trekking, walking, equestrian sports, etc.).
3. Treatment of concomitant diseases. Regular intake of antihypertensive (lowering blood pressure) drugs for arterial hypertension: target pressure values ​​in hypertensive patients should remain at the level / 80 mm Hg. Art. and below. Also, patients with diabetes mellitus, who have an increased atherogenic index, are shown to follow a diet not only with the restriction of animal fats, but also easily digestible carbohydrates and sugar. Often, the desired blood glucose concentration is achieved by taking hypoglycemic drugs.
4. Reducing excess body weight in obesity. Nutritionist consultation.
5. If possible, eliminate or minimize stressful situations at work and at home.

Drug treatment of an increased level of the coefficient of atherogenicity is to reduce the concentration of low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol in the blood, to eliminate pathogenetic risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Drugs that reduce the coefficient of atherogenicity include:

• Statins (Atorvostatin, Rosuvostatin, Simvastatin) are the most effective drugs that can reduce the atherogenic coefficient. They reduce the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver by 30%, reduce the concentration of low density lipoproteins, and increase - high. According to statistics, regular use of statins for 5 years or more reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular complications of atherosclerosis by 40%.
• Fibrates (Ciprofibrate, Fenofibrate) are another group of drugs to reduce total cholesterol and atherogenic coefficient. Like statins, fibrates lower LDL and increase HDL.
• Bile acid sequestrants (Cholestyramine) are agents that bind fatty acids in the intestines and prevent their absorption into the blood. Previously used as drugs for weight loss. Often prescribed in addition to statins and fibrates, to enhance their action.

A decrease in this indicator usually occurs as part of the complex therapy of atherosclerosis. As a rule, such patients are already registered with a therapist and are being observed for coronary heart disease or dyscirculatory encephalopathy (cholesterol plaques in the vessels of the brain). They may complain of frequent nagging, aching chest pains, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, headaches, memory loss. Usually in the analyzes of such patients there is a significant increase in total cholesterol and significant dyslipidemia.

Often, lipid metabolism disorders become an accidental finding during a standard examination of a patient during emergency hospitalization for myocardial infarction or stroke. These serious complications can develop suddenly and cause serious harm to health.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the increase in the coefficient of atherogenicity at the very beginning of the disease, when the effects of lipid metabolism disorders are slightly expressed. Even absolutely healthy people who do not have any complaints are recommended to be tested for cholesterol and lipoproteins once every 3-5 years. Careful attention to your health and regular preventive examinations will help maintain health and longevity.

All information on the site is provided for informational purposes only. In case of symptoms of the disease, contact a specialist.