Cholesterol index of atherogenicity. Is it good when the atherogenic coefficient is lowered? What factors can affect the result of the analysis

The atherogenic coefficient is an indicator that reflects the degree of risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Russian synonyms

Atherogenic index, cholesterol coefficient of atherogenicity, cholesterol coefficient of atherogenicity, AI, CA, CCA.

English synonyms

Cholesterol/HDL ratio.

What is this analysis used for?

To assess the risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

During scheduled medical examinations.
When there are factors in the patient's life that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

1-2 weeks before the study, you should not break the usual diet.
Eliminate physical and emotional overstrain for 30 minutes before the study.
Do not smoke for 30 minutes prior to the study.
It is recommended to stop eating 12 hours before the study (you can drink water).
You should abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to the study.
It is necessary to take a sitting position 5 minutes before the examination.

General information about the study

Atherogenic coefficient - the ratio of "bad" to "good" cholesterol, characterizing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Cholesterol (CH) is a fat-like substance that is vital for the body. It is involved in the formation of cell membranes of all organs and tissues of the body. Based on cholesterol, hormones are created, without which growth, development of the body and the implementation of the reproduction function are impossible. Bile acids are formed from it, due to which fats are absorbed in the intestines.

Cholesterol is insoluble in water, therefore, to move around the body, it is "packed" into a shell consisting of special proteins - apoproteins. The resulting complex ("cholesterol + apoprotein") is called lipoprotein. Several types of lipoproteins circulate in the blood, differing in the proportions of their constituent components:

very low density lipoproteins (VLDL),
low density lipoproteins (LDL),
high density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL and VLDL are considered "bad" types of cholesterol, as they contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. HDL, on the other hand, is called "good" cholesterol because it removes excess amounts of low-density cholesterol from vessel walls.

In the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels, not only the increase in the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, but also the ratio between "bad" and "good" cholesterol is important. It is this that reflects the coefficient of atherogenicity. It is calculated using the following formula: CA = (total cholesterol - HDL) / HDL.

Thus, in order to determine CA, it is necessary to know the level of total cholesterol and HDL.

The optimal coefficient of atherogenicity is 2-3.

The coefficient of atherogenicity is an indicative indicator. For a more accurate assessment of the risk of developing atherosclerosis and diseases of the heart and blood vessels, it is better to use the exact values of total cholesterol, LDL and HDL.

What is research used for?

The atherogenic index test is used to assess the risk of developing atherosclerosis and problems with the heart and blood vessels.

Changes in the levels of "bad" and "good" cholesterol and their ratio in itself, as a rule, do not manifest any symptoms, so their timely determination is very important in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

When is the study scheduled?

The atherogenic coefficient is usually part of the lipid profile, as are total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides. A lipid profile may be part of a routine screening routine or more frequently if the person is on a diet that restricts animal fats and/or is taking lipid-lowering medications. In these cases, it is checked whether the patient reaches the target level of cholesterol values and, accordingly, whether his risk of cardiovascular diseases is reduced.

In addition, a lipid profile is prescribed more often if there are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases in the patient's life:

smoking,
men over 45 years of age, women over 55,
high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg and above),
high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease in family members (heart attack or stroke in the next male relative under 55 years of age or women under 65 years of age),
ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction or stroke,
overweight,
alcohol abuse,
intake of large amounts of food containing animal fats,
low physical activity.

If a child has elevated cholesterol or heart disease, then for the first time a lipidogram or an analysis of total cholesterol is recommended for him at the age of 2 to 10 years.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 2,2 -3,5.

A result above 3 indicates a predominance of "bad" cholesterol, which may be a sign of atherosclerosis.

For a more accurate assessment of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to take into account all factors: cardiovascular diseases in a patient or his relatives, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc.

In people at high risk for circulatory disease, target total cholesterol levels are less than 4 mmol/L. To confidently talk about the likelihood of such diseases, you need to know the level of LDL.

The decrease in CA has no clinical significance.

What can influence the result?

KA increase:

pregnancy (cholesterol should be taken at least 6 weeks after the birth of the child),
prolonged fasting,
donating blood in a standing position,
anabolic steroids, androgens, corticosteroids,
smoking,
intake of food containing animal fats.

KA is reduced:

blood donation in the supine position,
allopurinol, clofibrate, colchicine, antifungals, statins, cholestyramine, erythromycin, estrogens,
diet low in cholesterol and high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Important Notes

Lipid analysis should be taken when a person is relatively healthy. After an acute illness, heart attack, surgery, you must wait at least 6 weeks before performing a lipid profile.

Who orders the study?

General practitioner, therapist, cardiologist.

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 lengthy 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atherogenic index data:

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

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

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

Who should take this test?

The atherogenic index should be determined by people:

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

How to prepare for a blood draw

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

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

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

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

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

What affects the results of the analysis

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

Main factors:

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

Standards for the coefficient of atherogenicity in female representatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TG standards (mmol/l):

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

Standards for the atherogenic index in males

Women are susceptible to the development of atherosclerosis with the onset of the age of sixty, while a similar phenomenon is observed in males at an earlier age.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to cure a high atherogenic index

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

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

Quit smoking, drinking alcohol, using psychotropic drugs.

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

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

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This is an indicator of the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathologies. This diagnostic method, which reveals cardiovascular diseases, was introduced by Professor A.N. Klimov in 1977. It is the ratio of bad cholesterol to good cholesterol.

Elevated levels of bad cholesterol provokes disruption of blood vessels and threatens the emergence of a large number of various diseases. Bad cholesterol is abbreviated as ANDL.

The formation of APNP in the body occurs as follows:

The food that we eat, especially butter, all types of meat, dairy and sour-milk products, contain carboxylic or otherwise fatty acids.
Once in the human stomach, they react with the digestive enzyme and the bile component - bilirubin.
Further, the breakdown of fatty acids and the formation of glycerol, belonging to the group of trihydric alcohols and cholesterol of lipophilic alcohol, occur.
The result of all reactions is the formation in the small intestine of special fatty acids, chylominirons, it is they who are separated in the liver into bad and good cholesterol.

Normal indicator of the coefficient of atherogenicity

The normal level of cholesterol in the blood varies depending on gender, age, the presence or absence of pregnancy:

Among women a normal indicator of the coefficient of atherogenicity is 2-3.2. Over time, it can increase, for example, in women after 50, the level of KA is higher than in twenty-year-old girls, but it should never go beyond the specified limits, regardless of age.
In men indicators may be slightly higher than in women and range from 2 to 3.5.
In children under the age of 18, the coefficient should not exceed one.
In pregnant women cholesterol level is elevated all nine months. Therefore, during the period of expectation of the child, the procedure for passing the analysis for the coefficient is considered meaningless and is recommended only a few months after the birth.

Causes of deviations from the norm of the coefficient of atherogenicity

An increased level of atherogenicity coefficient can mean the risk of developing or having cardiovascular and other diseases. But in some cases, a high ratio is not a cause for concern.

For example, during pregnancy, as mentioned above, while carrying a baby, the cholesterol level is much higher than expected and is considered the absolute norm.

In most cases, a high coefficient of atherogenicity means a tendency or the presence of a number of diseases.

Usually found in the following pathologies:

Violation of the work of cerebral vessels, such as encephalopathies, strokes and ischemic attacks.
Kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis and kidney failure.
Cardiovascular diseases.
genetic predispositions. Statistical data speak of the heredity of vascular pathologies. The presence of vascular diseases in relatives is a reason for preventive treatment and prevention of high cholesterol.
Smoking - negatively affects the work of the whole organism, but in particular affects the state of blood vessels. The more cigarettes a person smokes per day, the higher the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
Alcohol.

Alcohol, as well as fatty foods, contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis and plaques. Too frequent use of strong drinks leads to an increase in cholesterol, and the occurrence of vascular disease.

Daily consumption of a small amount of red wine dilates blood vessels and is indicated for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

low cholesterol

Low cholesterol titers can be observed in people with high physical activity and professional athletes.

A reduced atherogenic coefficient does not pose any threat to health, but on the contrary, it indicates a low probability of vascular atherosclerosis.

What is the danger of high cholesterol?

Elevated cholesterol leads to blockage of the arteries and, therefore, circulatory disorders appear, which leads to a deterioration in well-being, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headache.

But external malaise is not the most terrible consequence of blockage of the veins, since a violation of the venous flow sooner or later leads to strokes, coronary heart disease and a number of other heart diseases, such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

How to normalize an indicator

An increased atherogenic coefficient is a serious deviation from the norm, but it is quite correctable.

If, according to the results of the tests, the atherogenic coefficient turned out to be increased, then the attending physician prescribes a number of medications that normalize cholesterol levels.

The most popular drug treatment is statins.

Available in three generations:

Pros of statins- have an antithrombotic effect, are used to prevent atherosclerosis, taking a statin avoids complications such as stroke and heart attack

Cons of statins- very often cause side effects from the central nervous system, such as dizziness, headache, muscle pain.

A nicotinic acid- Available in the form of tablets. It is indicated for atherosclerosis and many other diseases.

Advantages of nicotinic acid:

It is highly effective, in a short time significantly lowers cholesterol levels, as it improves vascular function and thins the blood.
Regular intake of nicotinic acid reduces the risk of heart attacks three times. It also reduces the likelihood of disability and death from cardiovascular pathologies to zero.

Dietary supplements - food supplements, are not medicines, and are sold without a doctor's prescription:

Pros. Most of the time it's completely safe.
Minuses. The effectiveness of most dietary supplements has not been proven.

Get your scores right you can do it on your own with a diet.
Must include in your diet vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, river fish, limit the consumption of spicy, salty, starchy foods, to enhance the taste, it is recommended to add garlic to food - the strongest antioxidant.
Exclude or limit the use of hormonal drugs.
Women taking oral contraceptives are advised to stop taking it if cholesterol is elevated according to the results of the analysis. To do this, you need to consult with a gynecologist-endocrinologist.
In some cases, stop hormonal drugs is not possible, for example, with autoimmune diseases, for this you need to discuss with your doctor the possibility of reducing the dose of the drug.

Summing up, we can safely say about the high diagnostic efficiency of the analysis for the coefficient of atherogenicity. This indicator helps to identify a wide range of diseases, which means that treatment can be started on time.

It should also be remembered that high cholesterol levels are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, bad habits and malnutrition and other severe diseases, as well as a consequence of neglect of one’s health and lack of quality timely medical care.

Despite the fact that high cholesterol very often leads to serious diseases, this pathology is easily corrected by adjusting the diet and lifestyle changes for the better, in addition, modern drugs allow you to solve the problem of high cholesterol without any side effects.

Therefore, if you belong to a group of people who are recommended to take an atherogenic coefficient test, then do not delay going to a doctor who will send you for a biochemical blood test and, based on the results, prescribe adequate treatment.

The results of the lipidogram "the coefficient of atherogenicity is reduced" - what is it? In a nutshell, this is good news.

People with a low atherogenic coefficient have a lower risk of pathologies of the circulatory system, a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

Most often, a moderate or low coefficient of atherogenicity occurs in people who follow the right diet, and in athletes.

In addition, a decrease in this indicator can be triggered by taking medications for weight loss and some antifungal drugs.

A compound such as cholesterol or cholesterol is often mentioned in various materials on the health of the cardiovascular system. What is this substance, how does it enter the body and what functions does it perform?

In the simplest approximation, cholesterol is a fatty compound dissolved in the blood. With different products, a lot of fats of different composition come into the body, each of them performs a specific function.

Since fats do not dissolve in water, the digestive organs first process them to transport these elements to the tissues.

Special proteins create a kind of capsule inside which fats are enclosed. The resulting compounds, lipoproteins, dissolve perfectly in the blood and enter the internal organs to nourish the cells.

Lipoproteins are usually divided into two large groups: low and high density. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is liquid cholesterol.

The key role of this substance is the construction of cells. Liquid cholesterol is necessary to create a cell membrane, a shell, without which normal cell activity is impossible.

Liquid cholesterol is used in the digestive system for the secretion of bile, helps maintain immunity, improves the functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Despite so many positive properties, liquid cholesterol is often called harmful or bad. This is because an excess amount of liquid cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to the formation of cholesterol plaques.

The molecules of this substance are able to attach to the walls of blood vessels, reducing their elasticity, creating the risk of spasms.

If there is a lot of liquid cholesterol, the excess gradually accumulates on the walls of blood vessels and forms a kind of plug.

As a result, blood flow is disturbed and there is a risk of spontaneous cleavage of cholesterol clots and complete blockage of blood vessels (heart attack).

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the so-called solid, healthy cholesterol.

This compound plays the role of a kind of filter in the body. HDL is transported in the bloodstream and binds excess liquid cholesterol and then removes it from the circulatory system.

Solid cholesterol is called useful for its anti-atherogenic properties: a large amount of this substance in the blood means clean and flexible vessels, and, accordingly, a reduced risk of disease.

What does the coefficient of atherogenicity mean?

When diagnosing the general tone of the cardiovascular system, it is important for doctors to know the value of all three indicators: the total amount of lipids, the amount of liquid and solid cholesterol.

The coefficient (or index) of atherogenicity is a conditional numerical value, which indicates the ratio of these three indicators.

The atherogenic coefficient is calculated using a simple mathematical formula: (OH - HDL) / HDL, where OX is the total amount of cholesterol, HDL is solid, healthy cholesterol.

Atherogenic coefficient values below 2 are considered good.

This indicator indicates that the circulatory system is protected, the amount of solid cholesterol copes well with the removal of excess liquid cholesterol.

An atherogenic index above 3 indicates that there is much more bad cholesterol in the bloodstream than good cholesterol.

This means that the patient may form cholesterol plugs, the vessels gradually lose their elasticity and become susceptible to diseases.

By itself, an increased atherogenic index is not considered a disease, it is just the likelihood of vascular and heart pathologies.

There is no direct connection between heart attacks, strokes and other acute conditions and the level of atherogenicity; high values of this index are not considered an early diagnosis of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

An increased content of liquid cholesterol in the circulatory system is the vulnerability of blood vessels and a high risk of atherosclerosis.

Preparation and when should I take the test?

A blood test for lipids is considered preventive, and therefore it is recommended for periodic delivery to absolutely everyone.

If a person is young and healthy, then you can donate blood for a lipid profile (a comprehensive study of the presence of fats in the blood) once every 5 years.

If, according to the results of the first analysis, the atherogenic coefficient is increased, then it is recommended to adjust the diet and periodically retake the analysis to assess the dynamics.

There are so-called high-risk groups - people who are more likely to develop vascular and heart diseases initially.

It is better for such people to donate blood for atherogenicity regularly, especially if the indicators are not the most optimistic.

The high-risk group includes:

older patients (after 50);
obese people;
hypertension;
patients with diabetes;
patients who have had a heart attack or a pre-infarction condition.

The conditional risk group includes people whose close relatives suffer from diseases of the heart or circulatory system.

The predisposition to such diseases is inherited, so if the family has a history of heart attacks or atherosclerosis, then you should regularly check the blood for atherogenicity.

No special preparation for analysis is required. To measure the amount of cholesterol in laboratories, venous blood is used.

It is necessary to take the biomaterial on an empty stomach (wait at least 12 hours after eating). For a day it is necessary to give up alcohol and, if possible, cigarettes. Half an hour before donating blood, it is recommended to sit down and relax.

The main task is not to distort the results of the analysis by time differences. Therefore, it is not recommended to start new diets, especially those aimed at low fat intake, not to start taking medications and dietary supplements for weight loss.

Postpone major lifestyle changes. If you are not involved in sports, then you should not start 1-2 weeks before the analysis.

If you exercise regularly (run, swim, go to the gym), then it is better to postpone the workout on the day of the test. Try to avoid stress and psycho-emotional overstrain a few days before the test.

If you are taking any medications (including contraceptives), then you must inform your doctor about this. Some drugs can temporarily lower the amount of lipids in the blood and distort the results of the study.

What does the reduced ratio mean?

In general, a low atherogenic coefficient is a good indicator. In adults without chronic pathologies, an atherogenic index below 2 means a balanced diet and a low risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.

Despite the apparent simplicity of deciphering this indicator, only a doctor can make a full-fledged conclusion about the coefficient of atherogenicity.

It is necessary to take into account not only the age (the norm varies for different age categories), but also the medical history of the patient.

In women, a reduced atherogenic coefficient may indicate a protracted diet. If a woman is inclined to be overweight and constantly exhausts her own body with starvation or a too rigid diet, underestimated atherogenicity is more like a cry for help from the body.

All the positive functions of cholesterol, including liquid cholesterol, were mentioned above. With a chronic lack of fat, the body may be without building material for cells, and the intestines without the necessary digestive juices.

In the long run, this imbalance can slow down the metabolism and only exacerbate the weight problem.

A reduced coefficient of atherogenicity in men is extremely rare. As a rule, this result indicates that the patient has neglected the rules for preparing for analysis.

If before the blood sampling the man was in training or drank alcoholic beverages the day before, the results are considered unreliable.

Some medications distort blood fat levels, especially antifungal medications.

Reduced atherogenicity in children is a serious cause for concern for parents. With rare exceptions, vascular problems caused by high cholesterol do not threaten children.

But the lack of cholesterol suggests that the cells do not have enough nutrients to grow.

If a child lacks cholesterol for a long time, then metabolic disorders and the development of a variety of pathologies are possible. Most often, the causes of low cholesterol lie in malnutrition.