What is the atherogenic index in cholesterol readings. What does the coefficient of atherogenicity mean in a blood test? What is the norm? Reducing the level of diet and folk remedies

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.

When determining the atherogenic index, the ratio of harmful to good cholesterol is determined. This coefficient allows you to identify the possible presence of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.

Fat-like substance - cholesterol is necessary for the functioning of the body. With its participation, cell membranes of tissues and organs are formed. He is involved in the creation of hormones, without them a person will not be able to grow, develop and multiply. Absorption of fats in the intestine also occurs with the participation of cholesterol.

Cholesterol does not dissolve in water. In this regard, it is covered with a shell of proteins - apoproteins. The resulting complex is called lipoprotein. There are several types of lipoproteins in the blood at the same time: low density - LDL, very low density - VLDL, high density - HDL.

The atherogenic index is the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoproteins. Using this indicator, the doctor determines the possibility of the presence of atherosclerotic changes in a particular patient, as well as the possible risk of developing other, no less dangerous diseases.

Very-low-density and low-density lipoproteins are classified as bad cholesterol because they form plaque in blood vessels, leading to stroke and heart attack. But high-density lipoprotein refers to the "good" cholesterol. They contribute to the removal of low density lipoproteins from the surface of the vascular walls.

In the formation of cholesterol plaques, not only the elevated level of cholesterol in the patient's body is important, but also the ratio of good and bad cholesterol. This ratio is the coefficient of atherogenicity.

How to calculate the atherogenic index?

To calculate this indicator, laboratory tests are carried out. It is necessary to determine the amount of total cholesterol and the concentration of HDL.

If problems are suspected, it is better to conduct a more complete study of fat metabolism, to analyze the blood lipid spectrum, in which indicators are determined:

HDL, which protect the body from plaque formation;
LDL, forming cholesterol deposits;
total cholesterol;
triglycerides produced by liver tissues and released into the blood as part of VLDL.

KA = (TOTAL Cholesterol - HDL): HDL

Norms for men and women

The coefficient of atherogenicity equal to 2-3 is considered to be normal. The growth of the index to 3-4 shows that the danger is moderate and you need to pay attention to the diet. An index greater than 4 clearly indicates that the risk of developing cardiac ischemia and atherosclerosis is very high. A diet in such a case is simply necessary, and possibly the use of drugs that reduce the concentration of LDL in the body.

In men, the range of the coefficient after 30 years will increase. It can range from 2.07 to 4.92.

With age, the index also becomes larger, and the standards become higher. For men aged 40-60, the coefficient ranges from 3.0 to 3.5. These norms are valid only if there are no signs of cardiac ischemia during physical work.

These include:

increased heartbeat
dyspnea;
chest pain;
feeling of lack of air.

In the presence of these symptoms, an increase in the atherogenic index from 3.5 to 4.0 is allowed.

Very rarely, the coefficient of atherogenicity can reach 5.0 and be considered normal for men who are in old age, who have certain features: excess weight or chronic pathologies, as well as other reasons. Despite the high indications of the atherogenic index, no special treatment is prescribed.

When determining the state of the body of women, age is taken into account. So in young women aged 20 to 30 years, an atherogenic index of less than 2.2 is considered the norm. With age, it changes from 1.88 to 4.4. Upon reaching 40-60 years, the coefficient decreases and may be less than 3.2.

For IHD in women, an index below 4.0 is acceptable.

Important! If you find an increased coefficient of atherogenicity, do not self-medicate! Only a specialist with sufficient experience can correctly draw up a therapy regimen, select the necessary medications. In addition, constant monitoring of the patient's condition and lipidograms will be required.

Reasons for the high ratio

The level of atherogenicity can increase due to the following factors:

hereditary pathologies based on atherosclerosis;
overweight patient;
bad habits such as alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction;
endocrine pathologies, diabetes mellitus in particular;
constant nervous tension;
hypodynamia;
the use of products containing animal fats in large quantities.

The main thing is to pass the tests correctly. The fact is that KA can be elevated during menstruation, during pregnancy.

Fasting has the opposite effect on the coefficient of atherogenicity. The fact is that the body begins to actively use its fat reserves. They get into the blood and will worsen the blood test if it is done at this time.

Reasons for the low ratio

With a low ratio, there is no problem with the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Sometimes CA is below normal. For young women, this index often shows 1.7-1.9 units. This is a good, normal result, indicating clean vessels without plaques or other pathologies.

In addition, a low atherogenic index can occur with a long-term diet, with active sports activities and when taking statins.

There are cases where the AI is low and the patient has cholesterol deposits over the tendons and under the skin, or CAD. In this case, we can say with confidence that the patient has a hereditary disease, quite rare - hypocholesterolemia. The mechanism and causes of the development of this pathology are not fully understood by physicians.

What affects performance?

Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to deeply and in detail study the processes occurring in the patient's body. The atherogenic coefficient allows you to accurately say whether the patient has a risk of developing atherosclerosis.

However, the results may be adversely affected by the following reasons:

smoking, especially strong cigarettes;
hormonal drugs, antifungal drugs, statins, steroids;
hypocholesterol nutrition and a diet similar to starvation;
excessive sports loads;
menstruation, menopause, pregnancy.

How is the research done?

For research, a blood sample is taken from a vein. To get more accurate results, you need to prepare as follows:

1-2 weeks to eat regular food;
do not drink alcohol per day;
drink only water, do not eat 12 hours before the analysis;
do not be nervous and do not overwork for 30 minutes;
sit down 5 minutes before taking blood.

Subject to the above measures, the deviations in the results will be less, and the values of LDL, HDL, total cholesterol will be more accurate, which will help to correctly determine the atherogenic index.

The following reasons may skew the results upwards:

smoking before blood donation;
the analysis was given standing;
a few days before the test, the patient abused fatty foods of animal origin;
starvation diet;
pregnancy;
taking anabolic and androgenic drugs.

The following reasons can reduce the atherogenic index:

blood sampling for analysis was carried out when the patient was lying down;

taking erythromycin, estrogens, antifungal drugs;

a diet that uses foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and low cholesterol.

Test results

Normal values of the atherogenic index are 2.2-3.5 units. With indicators above 3, “bad” cholesterol prevails in the body, which means that the risk of developing atherosclerosis of the vessels is increased.

For an accurate diagnosis, all factors must be taken into account: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, not only in the patient himself, but also in his relatives.

Who needs to take this test?

Atherogenic coefficient - part of the lipid profile, which includes indicators of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, HDL. Conducting a lipidogram is included in the analyzes during professional examinations.

It may be done more frequently, provided the patient is on a diet low in animal fats. And also, if a person drinks drugs to lower lipid levels. The study is carried out to control the level of cholesterol.

Another lipid profile is prescribed in cases where there are risk factors for the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system:

obesity;
diabetes;
hypertension;
previous heart attack or stroke;
smoking, alcohol;
hereditary pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
sedentary lifestyle;
ischemia.

People who have the listed risk factors in their lives need to donate blood for a lipid profile.

Lipid analysis is usually prescribed by a cardiologist, internist or general practitioner. After receiving the results of the study in the laboratory, the certificate is handed over to the doctor who ordered the analysis.

Important! With a high level of the atherogenic index, the risk of developing vascular and heart damage, that is, atherosclerosis, increases. This disease affects most people over 40 years of age. Atherosclerosis is a dangerous and insidious disease that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is very important to know your atherogenic index and start the fight against pathology in its early stages.

Studying the results of diagnostic studies, doctors insist on a thorough examination of those patients in whom the atherogenic coefficient is increased. What it is, it is important to know for everyone who is not indifferent to their health, because this indicator is directly related to the state of the cardiovascular system.

The main part of a fat-like substance called cholesterol is produced by the body, as it is an important component of many vital physiological processes. And only a small part of the substance (20%) enters the body from the outside - along with the consumed products.

Complex compounds from cholesterol and proteins that provide transportation of the substance differ in type and density. High-density lipoproteins are called good cholesterol because of their anti-atherogenic properties.

Low-density lipoproteins are known as bad cholesterol - its ability to settle on the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques is considered a factor provoking the development of cardiovascular diseases.

The ratio between the amount of bad and good cholesterol is called atherogenic. Accordingly, the coefficient of atherogenicity is an indicator that determines the quality of lipid-fat metabolism and the potential tendency of the body to increase cholesterol levels.

If the balance between bad and good cholesterol is disturbed, a person has a predisposition to the appearance of atherosclerosis - a pathological condition in which the arteries are affected and coronary heart disease develops.

Indications for passing the analysis

To determine the coefficient of atherogenicity, a special formula is used, with the help of which the amount of different types of lipoproteins in the blood is determined, and then the ratio between them is calculated.

To do this, a value characterizing the amount of high density lipoproteins is subtracted from the total amount of cholesterol in order to find out the amount of low density lipoproteins. Then the obtained value is divided by the indicators of high density lipoproteins and the ratio between good and bad cholesterol is established.

Indicators of blood atherogenicity allow not only to establish the possible risks of the appearance of vascular pathologies, but also to find out which types of fats prevail in the patient's daily diet.

An analysis to determine the atherogenic coefficient is included in the standard set of preventive studies, and also as a component of the lipid profile, which provides information on the level of cholesterol in the blood.

This analysis is mandatory for people who are at risk of developing heart and vascular diseases.

Patients are considered to be:

smokers;
alcohol abusers;
male - after 45 years, female - after 55 years;
with a genetic predisposition. Especially if the next of kin died of heart or vascular disease at a young age;
with obesity;
leading a sedentary lifestyle;
with a tendency to high blood pressure;
patients with diabetes;
after a heart attack or stroke.

In addition, the analysis is indicated for all patients treated with lipid-lowering medications or restriction of animal fat intake. In the course of diagnostic measures, the analysis is carried out for suspected diseases of the liver and thyroid gland.

In ordinary life, the tendency to develop vascular and heart diseases does not always manifest itself in the form of symptoms. Determining the coefficient of atherogenicity is perhaps the only way to establish a potential threat to health in time.

The norm of the coefficient of atherogenicity in the blood test

To determine the coefficient of atherogenicity, blood is taken from a vein. The results of the study are calculated in units of moles per liter.

Among women

For an average person, average height and complexion, the norm of the atherogenic coefficient is 2-3 mol / l. Nevertheless, evaluating the results of the study, physicians should take into account the physiological characteristics of the body - gender and age.

Therefore, the normal coefficient of atherogenicity in women is considered if its value corresponds to age.

As can be seen from the table, with age, the indicators of the norm of atherogenicity increase. Significant deviations from the norm indicate the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the lumen of the vessels.

In men

For male representatives, a wider range of indicators of the normal coefficient of atherogenicity is provided than for women.

Thus, in both women and men, the atherogenic coefficient is considered normal, corresponding to the range - from 2 to 3.5 mol / l.

It is curious that in centenarians over the age of 80, the atherogenic index rarely exceeds 3 mol / l.

What is the danger of increasing the coefficient?

The prognosis of the patient's health directly depends on the results of the analysis. With indicators below the norm, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is regarded as minimal.

But if, according to the results of the study, an excess of the norm of the atherogenic index was found, this means that for the patient there is a risk of various pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.

The value of the coefficient of atherogenicity from 3 to 4 mol/l indicates a potential threat of thrombosis, cardiac ischemia and atherosclerosis. Indicators exceeding 4 mol / l in women and 5 mol / l in men are a sign of already occurring atherosclerotic processes.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic form of vascular pathology, which is characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of the arteries. Such deposits not only gradually impair the movement of blood flow, but also contribute to the formation of blood clots.

The result of sclerotic changes is a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of memory and attention problems, visual impairment, angina pectoris, heart attacks and strokes.

Reason for high values

An increase in the value of the atherogenic index indicates the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.

The main reasons for this phenomenon lie in the patient's lifestyle and the presence of certain diseases:

eating large amounts of animal fats, including sausages and pastries;
smoking cigarettes with high levels of tar and nicotine;
alcohol abuse;
excess weight;
low level of physical activity;
diabetes;
hypertension;
thrombocytosis.

Reduced indicators of atherogenicity indicate clean and elastic vessels. Such results are most often observed in athletes or in people who take statins for a long time.

Factors affecting the result of the analysis

A blood test for the coefficient of atherogenicity is taken on an empty stomach.

To obtain optimal results of the study, it is necessary to ensure proper preparation of the body:

refuse to eat fatty foods on the eve of the procedure;
avoid significant physical exertion during the day before the study;
stop smoking or reduce to a minimum the number of cigarettes smoked the day before the analysis;
do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before donating blood;
come to the procedure in a calm emotional state.

In addition, the results of the analysis may not correspond to reality in patients taking hormonal drugs, or in the stage of increased hormonal levels - during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.

The way to normalize the coefficient of atherogenicity is simple, as is the secret of health in general - physical activity, balanced nutrition, the introduction of healthy food into the diet with a predominance of plant products, the absence of bad habits and a positive attitude towards life.

The definition of atherogenicity allows you to understand and assess the health status of any person, regardless of age. Specialists use this indicator to identify the possibility of various pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. These diseases often lead to the death of patients around the world. A sedentary lifestyle has led to an increase in strokes and heart attacks, but each of us can learn a little more about our own health. This will help prevent and detect diseases in time and contact specialists in order to receive timely treatment. The atherogenic coefficient is lowered, what is it, let's look into this issue together.

Until recently, therapists and cardiologists referred their patients to a complete blood count, which can be used to assess overall lipid parameters. Later, after the positive effect of HDL was revealed, it became possible to give a better assessment of lipids. The indicator of atherogenicity allows you to get a clear picture of the patient's diet, the type of fats that predominate in his diet, and the metabolic processes in the body.

A fairly simple formula is used for the calculation: the HDL index is subtracted from the total cholesterol index, and the resulting difference is divided by the HDL index. The result will be the index of atherogenicity.

The norm is considered to be an indicator that fits in the range from 2.2 to 3.5, but recently many laboratories have lowered the upper limit to 3.0. Reducing the coefficient of atherogenicity for most patients with cardiac pathologies is the main goal they strive for in order to avoid the development of acute complications of atherosclerosis.

Causes of a reduced atherogenic index

A decrease in the atherogenic index in people belonging to various population groups is not very common. There are several reasons that can lower performance:

regular intake of statins - the most popular means, today, to reduce the concentration of lipoproteins in the body;
the patient regularly performs feasible sports loads, which is almost impossible for regular clients of a cardiologist who are overweight;
the patient was on a low-cholesterol diet for a long period of time before donating blood for analysis to determine the atherogenic coefficient;
the patient took estrogens, antifungals, erythromycin, which helps to reduce this index.

Features of a reduced atherogenic index

Over time, the ratio can change. Most patients undergoing anti-obesity therapy undergo an analysis from time to time to assess the course of treatment.

With an active lifestyle and eating in moderation, the atherogenic index will correspond to the norm. When performing significant loads at work or when playing sports, the index can decrease. Usually, good rest and a hearty meal are enough to normalize it.

Reduced coefficient of atherogenicity in women

For a healthy woman, the coefficient in the analysis should correspond to the norm. If it is lowered - a sign of exhaustion of the patient. A similar situation can happen:

the diet of a woman is poor in fats. This happens to those who follow a diet for a long period of time, as often happens with young girls who are constantly losing weight, even when it is not necessary. Usually they independently prescribe similar diets for themselves without consulting a nutritionist, which can be harmful to health;
a decrease in the index can be found in women involved in sports. During preparation for competitions, the load on the body increases significantly, this applies not only to the physical, but also to the moral and emotional, energy is needed for everything. When the coach does not pay enough attention to the condition of his wards, and is only concerned with controlling their physical form, this can cause a decrease in the atherogenic index;
the use of hormonal contraceptives containing estrogens also helps to reduce the level of atherogenicity. Many birth control pills contain this hormone, which women take every day. Such a development of events leads to the fact that the results of the analysis are considered not objective.

Reduced atherogenic coefficient in children

With a reduced rate of atherogenicity in a child, you need to find out details about his diet. Most of the sweets, so loved by children, practically do not contain lipids in their composition: marshmallow, marshmallow. When such food predominates, one should not be surprised that this coefficient is reduced. Although experts do not consider the decrease in the indicator to be critical, such cases are considered in a completely different way. Cholesterol is necessary for the child's body to form new cells, maintain the functions of the body and the strength of the child. Thus, the reproductive system of girls will not be sufficiently prepared for the monthly cycle, when little fat enters the body. With a lack of fat, which can be found on the basis of a reduced coefficient of atherogenicity, there is a violation of brain activity, which causes him to fail at school.

Reduced coefficient of atherogenicity in men

Today, this situation is very rare. After all, a sedentary lifestyle, which is provided by a variety of gadgets and nutritious food that can be quickly prepared or simply warmed up, does not at all contribute to a decrease in this indicator.

When a man at a cardiologist's appointment turns out that the coefficient is reduced, the specialist needs to consult with the patient to identify the cause. This analysis should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. You do not need to exercise this morning, because this can lead to a decrease in the indicator. If such a result is obtained, and the patient complied with all the recommendations before donating blood for analysis, this indicates that foods rich in animal fats have not been in his diet for a long time.

When a man takes antifungal agents, the atherogenic index can also be reduced. The same result will be when using products that contain erythromycin. In such cases, the results of the analyzes are not taken into account. New tests should be taken after the completion of medication.

What to do with reduced atherogenicity

First you need to determine the correctness of the result. In other words, it is necessary to find out whether there were any factors in the patient's life in the last days before the test that contributed to the decrease in the atherogenic index. If nothing like this happened, the result can be considered correct.

The most common problem that leads to a decrease in the index is low-calorie, low-fat foods. Most of the mono-diets that you can learn about from the Internet and assign yourself on your own can harm a person who is completely healthy, not to mention those who suffer from any pathologies.

You need to go to an appointment with a nutritionist who will develop a special schedule and diet, write down the number and types of products.

After a starvation diet, you can not eat everything at once in any quantity. This can cause an increase in glucose, LDL and other blood components.

Important! Do not prescribe diets on your own - they can exacerbate various chronic pathologies. Consult with a nutritionist, he will be able to recommend a diet that will be effective and will not lead to manifestations of existing diseases.

Vegetarianism is a separate topic for conversation. People who choose this lifestyle usually refuse to take animal fats, and consume vegetable oils in moderation. When such people work intensively independently physically or mentally, the atherogenic index will be reduced. The diet of vegetarians is quite poor, their bodies are in exhaustion, and the reduced coefficient will only confirm this. In such a case, it is urgent to revise the diet and diversify it with foods containing fats. The help of a specialist will be helpful.

A biochemical or lipoprotein blood test is a typical procedure for people over the age of twenty, it is prescribed purely by doctors during the initial visit to the doctor or if problems with the vascular system are suspected. Lipoprotein analysis of biological fluid allows you to determine the amount of cholesterol compounds in the body, which can cause serious health problems.

In this article, we will talk about the coefficient of atherogenicity, which appears in the results of lipoprotein analysis, its size, the root causes of non-compliance with the norms. In particular, we will figure out what to do if the atherogenic coefficient is increased, what it is, why it can increase, what it says, and how to deal with such a pathology.

What is the coefficient of atherogenicity in a blood test?

The atherogenic coefficient is a numerical value in the results of a lipid biochemical study. Blood for spectral lipid analysis is mainly donated for preventive purposes to determine its composition, as well as if complications with the cardiovascular system of the body are suspected. With the help of biochemical analysis, it is possible to identify indicators of cholesterol in the blood.

Most people know that cholesterol can be classified into two categories, which at the household level are called "good" and "bad" types. Harmful lipoproteins, which are noted in the results as LDL, are able to accumulate on the surfaces of blood vessels and arteries, and in predominant amounts are a provocateur of atherosclerosis. Useful cholesterol, indexed in analyzes by the abbreviation HDL, is a compound that is produced by the liver, is included in the structure of all tissue membranes, and provides the possibility of metabolic processes, the synthesis of hormones and elements necessary for the life of the body. In addition to these two values, the study forms will also include total cholesterol - the ratio of the relationship between the values of constructive and negative lipoproteins, as well as the atherogenic coefficient.

A person who has a superficial knowledge of cholesterol and its effects on the body, in most cases tries to interpret the results of microanalysis in terms of good, harmful and final cholesterol, however, this is not entirely correct, and sometimes leads to disastrous results. By themselves, these metrics are of little value. Having thoroughly studied the topic of cholesterol, one can understand that useful cholesterol is a kind of cleaner of vascular highways from harmful lipoproteins. They are cleaned by capturing harmful fatty ingredients with good lipoprotein compounds, transporting them to the liver with further processing and disposal from the body. Thus, it turns out that the main indicator in the results of the analysis is the quantitative proportionality of the components of useful, total and harmful cholesterol. The greater the mass of good lipoproteins in relation to low-density ones, the better the cleaning of blood vessels will be.

It is the coefficient of atherogenicity, abbreviated as KA, that is an absolute parameter, which is calculated by elementary mathematical calculations using formulas, which indicates the correlation ratio of blood lipid composition data. Based on this result, one can judge the probability of progression or the fact of atherosclerosis, its scale of evolution.

Most often, there is no need to calculate the atherogenic coefficient on your own: it is automatically prescribed in the analysis form by laboratory workers. If such a figure does not appear, the attending physician will be able to calculate the value when interpreting the results, or you can make the calculations yourself using simple mathematical equations.

Several variants of formulas are used to calculate KA. The most common of them is the following: KA = (TC-HDL) / HDL, where TC is total cholesterol, HDL is high-density lipoproteins.

The atherogenic index can be calculated as the proportionality of negative cholesterol compounds to beneficial lipoproteins, which is explained by the natural mechanism of their interaction. For this, the following calculation formula is used: CA \u003d (LDL + VLDL) / HDL, where LDL, VLDL, HDL are indicators of low, very low and high density cholesterol, respectively. It is worth noting that this formula is used less frequently, since a single number of very low density lipoprotein compounds rarely appears in the analysis form.

An analogue of the same formula is such a calculation option, where very low density lipoproteins are calculated through triglycerides, which appear in the test results. The formula looks like this: CA = (LDL + TG / 2.2) / HDL, where HDL and LDL are high-density and low-density cholesterol, and TG is the number of triglycerides.

You can determine the atherogenic index using any of the formulas, the calculation results will be identical to hundredths of units, and the result depends on the concentration of low and high density lipids. Depending on these indicators, the KA will vary, the standards of which fluctuate depending on the gender and age of the person.

Atherogenic index norms for men and women

The main interpretive number in lipid analysis is the atherogenic index, which indicates the composition of the blood in relation to cholesterol. The value of KA is compared with the table of norms of this coefficient according to the age and gender of a person. The average value is considered to be the number 3, up to which the criteria for atherogenicity are considered normal and indicate the absence of problems with blood vessels due to increased cholesterol. Higher rates signal the presence of pathology: the higher the coefficient, the higher the likelihood of atherosclerosis, ischemia of the heart and brain tissues. However, when interpreting the results, it is not worth focusing only on the number 3, since under some circumstances, as well as in solid and old age, higher CA criteria may not be considered a pathology.

Minor variations in the index are possible depending on whether a woman or a man is being tested, and age criteria are taken into account when interpreting the results.

The coefficient should be slightly lower than in men, due to the natural protective hormonal background. At the age of 20 to 30 years, the norm of KA is considered to be values up to 2.5 for men and up to 2.2 for the representatives of the stronger sex.

The amplitude of the index variation is wider for people from 30 to 40 years old. In men of this age, the norm can range from 2.07 to 4.92, while for women, indicators from 1.88 to 4.4 are considered natural.

The atherogenic index for men from forty to sixty years old is considered appropriate if it is in the range from three to three and a half units, while the norm for women of the same age should not exceed 3.2 units. It is worth noting that these figures may increase if the person under study has health problems. If there are signs of ischemia, overweight or other pathological or chronic diseases, these factors are taken into account by the doctor, the index can increase up to four units, while such an increase is not considered abnormal and does not require special treatment.

Obesity and overweight as a cause of an increase in the atherogenic index

And also the following factors can influence the index upwards:

Long-term use of drugs of certain groups.
Prolonged malnutrition or an unbalanced diet that causes a micronutrient or oxygen deficiency in the body.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period for the fair sex.
Excessive addictions, in particular, smoking.

The following indicators can reduce the actual significance of the coefficient:

The use of anticholesterol drugs.
with a low content of fatty components before testing.
Strong loads of the physical plane.

In general, the results of the analyzes are interpreted not as a separate unit, but in combination with all sorts of factors that can cause index variations. However, if the deviations from the norm are significant in the direction of a decrease or increase, then it is worth eliminating the causes provocateurs of such a state.

What to do with an increased index?

Let's try to figure out what to do if the atherogenic index is elevated and what it means. Most often, excess CA, depending on the increase criteria, indicates the onset or intensive progression of pathological disorders in the vascular system, namely, failures of fat metabolic processes. If the coefficient under discussion exceeds the allowed parameters, this means that the number of useful lipoproteins is not enough to block and utilize low-density cholesterol from the body. It simply signals that high-density cholesterol is lowered. As a result of this phenomenon, negative cholesterol is deposited on the inner membranes of blood vessels, forming plaques, which over time can form blood clots that interfere with blood circulation.

A coefficient ranging up to four units indicates the beginning. Since they are present to one degree or another in every person who has survived the forty-year age barrier, this condition does not require special medical treatment, it involves a change in lifestyle in order to prevent the progression of pathology.

More dangerous is the atherogenic index, which exceeds five units. This indicates an intensive progression of atherosclerosis, which primarily affects the lower extremities, which over time can impair not only a person’s activity, but also cause lameness or disability. Even more dangerous is atherosclerosis, which progresses in. The consequences can result in a stroke or heart attack, which is often the cause of death.

This condition requires mandatory comprehensive treatment, which includes drug therapy and lifestyle correction. Without treatment or with incorrect therapy, pathological processes will gain strength, which is dangerous with consequences.

Integral therapy often has the following vector directions:

Taking medications. Often, doctors prescribe drugs from the statin group, which actively fight low-density lipoprotein ingredients, thereby raising the criteria for good cholesterol. Can be prescribed drugs from the category of fibrates, extracts of nicotinic and bile acid sequestrants, inhibitors of cholesterol induction. All anti-cholesterol drugs have side effects, therefore their selection and dosage determination is the task of doctors only. In addition, when taking medications, regular monitoring by physicians is required, as well as systematic testing to determine the dynamics.
Nutrition correction is no less important vector of treatment than taking medications. It is practically impossible to lower CA without nutrition correction, since the “wrong” food is the main supplier of harmful lipoproteins. The specificity of the patient's diet is focused on minimizing the consumption of fat-containing food of animal origin, the rejection of pickles, smoking and conservation. Despite the limitations, the patient's nutrition should be as balanced as possible, it is important to fill the diet with valuable vegetables and fruits for the body with a high fiber content, ingredients with phytosterol, vegetable and polyunsaturated fats.
Rejection of bad habits. A strong provocateur and a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is nicotine, so an absolute rejection of cigarettes is important. Alcohol in the form of good quality wine in small quantities is useful for higher than normal CA, contributes to an increase in HDL. As for other drinks containing alcohol, their use is strictly prohibited.
Sports activities have a positive effect on treatment, contribute to the reduction of CA. The specifics of physical activity for the patient is selected individually by the attending doctor, depending on the state of health, blood vessels and the age of the person.

Complex therapeutic measures with responsible implementation of the doctor's recommendations can reduce the index, and, consequently, the concentration of bad cholesterol with a parallel increase in good cholesterol. It is important for the patient to understand that the treatment of high CA rates is a long-term procedure, since the disease is classified as a pathology that is distinguished by inhibited development, and, accordingly, only long-term therapy will help achieve effective results.

Actions with a reduced coefficient of atherogenicity

As you can see, the situation with a high CA is very bad, the conclusion that you should not worry about your health if the atherogenic coefficient is lowered suggests itself. Indeed, in most cases, if the atherogenic index deviates beyond the lower limits, this only indicates that the human vascular system is in excellent physiological condition, and the likelihood of the evolution of atherosclerosis or ischemia is reduced to zero. In parallel, the patient may be offered to be examined additionally by highly specialized specialists in order to exclude pathologies that can affect the coefficient.

Often precedents when the index is below the norm do not require any treatment. A person is recommended to take repeated tests in two months in order to exclude the influence of physical loads or other factors on the results.

Summing up

Atherogenicity is a quantitative value that indicates the correlation between bad and valuable cholesterol. The interpretation of the resulting coefficient is the doctor's mission. He not only compares the data with tables of norms, but also takes into account the factors of human life, the clinical picture, and on their basis makes a verdict on the state of the cardiovascular system of the subject.

Self-interpretation of the results, and even worse - the appointment of self-treatment, can cause irreparable consequences. Trust doctors: their experience and qualifications guarantee the possibility of curing pathology, if it exists in the body.