Cholesterol coefficient of atherogenicity. The coefficient (index) of atherogenicity: what does it mean, the norm, the causes of fluctuations. How to keep the indicator normal

Sometimes patients hear that their atherogenic coefficient is below normal, but not every person guesses what this phrase means. It is worth knowing that the coefficient or index of atherogenicity is the ratio between "good" and total cholesterol, which can later be converted into LDL - low density lipoproteins. Cholesterol (cholesterol), which is in the blood vessels, can be "bad" and "good". Both of these fractions are of great importance for metabolism and have different effects on human health.

What is the atherogenic index for?

All people's knowledge about cholesterol often ends with the fact that its elevated blood level is bad. And having learned from the results of the tests about its presence and not understanding these values, the patient independently begins to take drugs that reduce cholesterol, or follows a strict diet.

However, it is not enough just to see that the level of a given substance has increased, you must be able to read the results of tests that require compliance with certain rules. If you look at individual graphs, you will not be able to correctly understand and determine all the processes occurring in the human body. Therefore, in order to be able to determine the development of dangerous pathologies that are directly or indirectly affected by “bad” cholesterol, such a medical indicator as the atherogenic coefficient was introduced.

To understand what it means, you need to know that cholesterol is divided into "good" or HDL, as well as "bad" or LDL. The “good” cholesterol molecules are too large to be absorbed into the cells of the body, so they concentrate the bad fat molecules around them and then send them to the liver for processing. In turn, “bad” cholesterol is attached to the walls of blood vessels and, thanks to the plaques formed there, narrowing of the gaps occurs, which significantly impairs blood circulation. But, besides this, in the human blood there is also total cholesterol, which is endowed with an “unbound” state.

At the moment, the atherogenic index fairly accurately reflects the state and amount of fat metabolism in the body, which allows us to assess the risk of atherosclerosis in a patient, as well as various cardiovascular diseases.

Also, the determination of the atherogenic index is necessary in the following cases:

• during the first examination of the patient;
• control of cholesterol dynamics, which is necessary during drug therapy;
• diagnosis of the development of pathologies of liver and thyroid cells.

Types of cholesterol and coefficient of atherogenicity

Most cholesterol (about 80%) is produced in the liver, the rest of it enters the body along with food. Cholesterol takes an active part in the synthesis of cell membranes, hormones and bile acids. Since it is almost insoluble in liquid, a special shell is formed around the cholesterol particles, consisting of proteins, which is necessary for the transport of cholesterol.

This shell-compound is called lipoproteins, while several of its varieties circulate in the blood vessels of people, which differ in the proportion of the components that make up:

1. LDL - low level of lipoproteins.
2. HDL - high level of lipoproteins.

HDL contains very little cholesterol, so it is almost entirely made up of protein. The main function of "good" cholesterol (HDL) is to transport its excess fractions to the liver for processing. HDL accounts for approximately 30% of total blood cholesterol. If the concentration of LDL exceeds HDL, this leads to the appearance of cholesterol plaques that accumulate in the vessels, gradually narrowing them and impairing blood circulation, which causes various diseases, such as stroke, heart attack, and so on.

In the medical calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity, the following formula is used:

KO = (Total Cholesterol - HDL) / HDL

A normal and acceptable coefficient for a healthy person varies in different laboratories and ranges from 2-2.5 units. Moreover, this index should not exceed 3.2 for females and 3.5 for males.

An increased index indicates the development of certain diseases in the body, while if the atherogenic coefficient is lowered, this is not a cause for concern, since the risk of cholesterol plaques, and hence various diseases, is extremely small.

Therefore, if the question arises that the atherogenic coefficient is lowered what it is, then you need to remember that this fact is not diagnostically valuable and only indicates that the patient has an increased level of HDL in the body, which does not pose any danger to his health. Before embarking on medical therapy, doctors try to normalize the CA or lower it.

What to do with high odds

If an elevated CA was detected during a patient’s blood test, this means that “bad” cholesterol is mainly present in his blood stream. In order to prevent the development of various cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to take measures that will cause a lowering effect.

This can be achieved in the following ways:

• lifestyle and diet changes;
• taking special drugs.

In connection with the lifestyle, the coefficient increases for the following factors:

1. Bad habits, such as smoking, drugs and drinking alcohol, cause a violation of the synthesis of fat metabolism, and also greatly inhibit it.
2. A sedentary and inactive lifestyle causes stagnant processes, as a result of which fats are synthesized very actively.

To normalize the level of the coefficient, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as give up bad and harmful habits.

A sharp increase in the atherogenic index in connection with the diet is caused by the use of products such as sausage, high-fat sour-milk products, spread and margarine, which are based on palm oil.

You need to reduce their consumption as much as possible by including the following foods in your diet:

• boiled fish;
• natural chocolate;
• green tea;
• fruits and vegetables, beets are useful;
• different types of nuts;

• garlic.

It will also be possible to reduce the indicators of the atherogenic index with the help of drug therapy (statins).

However, they have a large number of side effects, so they should be taken only on the recommendation of a specialist, only according to indications, in special cases.

What can affect blood test results

When determining the coefficient of atherogenicity, it is necessary to take into account factors that can significantly change the results of the analyzes.

These include the following factors:

1. Compliance with a strict and rigid diet, almost starvation. In order for the body to avoid exhaustion and take strength and energy, it has to be content with fat reserves, as a result of which lipoproteins penetrate into the vessels and can lead to an artificial increase in the index.
2. The use of hormonal drugs.
3. Smoking and alcohol abuse, as well as drug use.
4. Hormonal imbalance as a result of taking medications, pregnancy, menopause and menstruation.

Indicators of the coefficient of atherogenicity will be lowered in cases where:

• the patient is taking cholesterol-lowering medications;
• the patient follows a hypocholesterol diet;
• the patient is constantly involved in sports and performs physical activity (however, this has not been fully proven).

It turns out that CA is a kind of proportion of total cholesterol to high density lipoproteins.

This indicator reflects the ratio of lipoproteins in the body and helps to timely diagnose the initial stages of cardiovascular pathologies, the main cause of which is high cholesterol.

Recently, diseases of the cardiovascular system are often diagnosed. This is facilitated by an increase in blood levels. However, an increase in total cholesterol is not always dangerous to health. To appreciate this, it is necessary to calculate the coefficient of atherogenicity.

What is the atherogenic coefficient and why can it be increased or decreased? How to calculate the atherogenic index? What to do with deviations from the norm and how to treat? You will find answers to these and other questions in our article.

What is the "atherogenic coefficient"

To determine the atherogenic index, it is necessary to collect blood from a vein for biochemical research.

The atherogenic coefficient is the ratio of good and bad cholesterol in the blood.

This ratio helps to identify pathologies of the heart and blood vessels at the initial stage of development, as well as to assess the possibility of their occurrence in the near future.

Lipoproteins circulate in human blood. It is a combination of proteins and fats. It is these substances that are able to transport cholesterol in the blood, which is insoluble in liquid.

It should be noted that there are 2 types of lipoproteins:

If good cholesterol predominates in the blood, then the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis is very low.

Norm in analysis

The rate of this indicator depends on several factors:

• The gender of the person;
• Age;
• Physiological state.

On average, normal indicators of the coefficient of atherogenicity are from 2 to 3 units. However, it should be noted that this figure is slightly lower for women than for men of the same age group.

Upon reaching the age of 40-50, the values ​​of the coefficient for men and women can become equal. This is due to the onset of menopause in the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. At this time, the risk of problems with the heart and blood vessels increases.

You should also take into account the fact that in pregnant women deviations from the norm up to 3.5 and above can be detected.

This is due to the physiological processes occurring in the body during this period. To exclude the development of pathology, it is necessary to re-determine the coefficient after childbirth in 1 - 1.5 months.

If the values ​​​​are somewhat exceeded (up to 4), then there is a risk of developing atherosclerosis. At a rate above 5, atherosclerosis can be diagnosed.

Consider the norms of the coefficient of atherogenicity in the table:

If older people have coronary heart disease, then the rate for them increases slightly. It ranges from 3.5 to 4 and is the same for people of both sexes.

In children, this indicator should not exceed 1.

Calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity

The calculation of this indicator of venous blood is carried out using the formula. However, in order to be able to make a calculation, it is necessary to perform a biochemical analysis of blood with an extended lipid profile.

In order for lipidogram data to be reliable, it is necessary to prepare for the study:

In a biochemical blood test, the following indicators are determined necessary to calculate the atherogenic index:

• total cholesterol;
• High density lipoproteins;
• Very low density lipoproteins.

The coefficient of atherogenicity (KA) is calculated by the following formula:

Total cholesterol includes the sum of good and bad (low and very low density lipoprotein) cholesterol. If high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) is subtracted from the total cholesterol value, we get the amount of bad cholesterol.

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Reasons for the elevated level

If the atherogenic index is exceeded by 4 units, then this means that the patient has a high risk of developing atherosclerosis, since the amount of bad cholesterol is exceeded.

The coefficient of atherogenicity is increased in the following cases:

It should be noted that an increase in the atherogenic index can occur for physiological reasons: menstruation and pregnancy.

What to do with an increased atherogenic index?

To bring the indicators to normal, it is necessary to eliminate the etiological factors. With a slight increase in values, you can use non-drug methods. If the indicators significantly exceed the norm, then drugs are prescribed.

Non-drug treatments include:

• Dieting. In this case, it is recommended to exclude sausages, margarine, lard, butter, cream, fatty sour cream, fried foods, smoked fish and meat from the diet. The amount of consumed products containing animal fats is sharply reduced. Also refuse or limit the intake of simple carbohydrates (confectionery, pastries, jams and jams) into the body;
• Increasing the level of physical activity;
• Rejection of bad habits.

Drug treatment for an increase in the coefficient of atherogenicity includes taking such drugs:

• Omega-3 supplements (flaxseed oil, fish oil capsules);
• Sequesters of bile acids (Cholestyramine) has a hypocholesterolemic effect;
• Statins. For example, simvastatin. These drugs are essential in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. They not only prevent the development of new atherosclerotic plaques, but also eliminate existing ones.

Reasons for the low rate

A low level of the index is less common than an increased level. And as a rule, this condition does not require medication or other correction. A low coefficient of atherogenicity can be determined both in adults and in children.

There are several groups of reasons contributing to the decrease in this indicator.:

What to do if the atherogenic coefficient is lowered and what does this mean?

First of all, it is necessary to identify the cause. If a person had excessive physical activity before the examination, then it is necessary to retake blood, excluding sports.

It should be noted that in healthy young women this indicator is always somewhat reduced. In this case, no action should be taken.

How to keep the indicator normal

In order for the indicator to remain normal, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:

• Timely identify and treat diseases that can lead to a change in the level of atherogenicity;
• Stick to proper nutrition. It is necessary to consume proteins, fats and carbohydrates in moderation. Animal fats cannot be completely excluded. Nutrition should be varied and include: cereals, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, fish, meat;
• Do sport. Everyone needs to be physically active. If a person has diseases of the cardiovascular system, then you can walk for 40-60 minutes a day. Healthy people can do jogging and other cardio exercises, fitness. You can just do physical exercises at home, exercises in the morning;
• Maintain work and rest schedule. You need to sleep at least 8 hours a day. Give preference to outdoor activities.

By adhering to a healthy lifestyle, you can maintain the level of atherogenicity within the normal range and avoid the development of atherosclerosis and serious diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, kidneys.

It is necessary to control the atherogenic coefficient for all young people every 2 years, and upon reaching 40 years old - once every 12 months.

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

General concepts

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

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

Who needs to take this test?

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

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

Calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity

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

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

Preparing the patient for a blood test

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

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

CA values ​​are normal - table

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

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

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

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

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

Features of the increased coefficient of atherogenicity

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

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

Normalization of the level of atherogenicity

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

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

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Diet for atherosclerosis - video

Medical methods of treatment:

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

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

At the household level, many are familiar with the concepts of "bad" and "good" cholesterol, while most know that an increase in the first, as well as a decrease in the second indicator, can adversely affect health, in particular, the state of blood vessels. But in medical practice, to assess the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, as well as for a general assessment of the state of fat metabolism in the body, a special analysis is carried out - the determination of the atherogenic coefficient, the norm of which may vary slightly depending on gender, age, existing diseases in the patient.

Characterizes lipid metabolism, reflecting the ratio of "bad" cholesterol to "useful". If the analysis confirms the excess of this index of the norm, they speak of a predisposition to cardiovascular diseases, in particular, to atherosclerosis.

Determination of the coefficient of atherogenicity is carried out for the following purposes:

• control of drug therapy aimed at normalizing cholesterol in the blood;
• identifying the risk of cardiovascular pathologies or their presence in a patient;
• definition of endocrine diseases and liver diseases;
• during preventive examinations.

To calculate the atherogenic coefficient, it is first necessary to determine the values ​​​​of triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. The index of the ratio of "bad" cholesterol to "good" is determined by dividing the difference between total cholesterol in the blood and HDL by the value of HDL.

The normal value of this coefficient may vary slightly for some population groups (for example, men and women), so let's consider the norm of this index in more detail.

The norm in men

The average coefficient of atherogenicity is considered normal if its value does not exceed 3. However, for an accurate assessment of lipid metabolism in the human body, physicians take into account some features. So, for men and women, this coefficient is different: they say that in a young man, the atherogenic coefficient is normal if it is not higher than 2.5.

For the representatives of the stronger sex after 30 years, the range of normal values ​​of this index expands slightly - 2.07-4.92. With age, the coefficient of atherogenicity increases naturally and the limits of the norm also increase. For men aged 40-60, this figure should be in the range of 3.0-3.5. But these values ​​are valid for those patients who do not have clinical manifestations of coronary heart disease, manifested during exercise:

1. pain in the chest area;
2. feeling short of breath;
3. dyspnea;
4. increased heartbeat.

If the described symptomatology is present in a man, then it is allowed up to values ​​of 3.5-4.0. In rare cases, the index can reach 5, while such cases are considered individually and can be regarded as a variant of the norm for older men with certain body characteristics (weight, existing diseases). Even with such seemingly high numbers for this group of patients (men aged 40-60 years with clinical signs of ischemia), specific treatment is not required.

The norm in women

Determination of the coefficient of atherogenicity is the most important factor for identifying the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies. So, for women and men, the resulting calculated index is interpreted as follows:

To understand the state of the fat metabolism in the female body, it is necessary to take into account the patient's age and the existing cardiovascular abnormalities in the ratio of the obtained coefficient with the normal value. So, for young women aged 20 to 30 years, an atherogenic coefficient of less than 2.2 is considered normal. With age, these figures may be in a wider range - 1.88-4.4. With the onset of natural hormonal changes in the female body, the scope of the normal index decreases again: at the age of 40-60 years, it is considered normal if the calculated index is less than 3.2. For the fair sex, who have symptoms of coronary heart disease, a coefficient of less than 4 points is considered acceptable.

It has been noted that centenarians, whose age exceeds 80-90 years, have low rates of atherogenic coefficient: it rarely exceeds 3.

For a visual representation of the norm of the atherogenic index for men and women of different ages, consider the table:

It should be borne in mind that some factors can affect the final result of determining the atherogenic coefficient. So, to increase its value can:

• smoking;
• taking certain medications, in particular steroids;
• prolonged fasting or following a mono-diet;
• pregnancy and postpartum period (first 6 weeks).

The following reasons can reduce the real index of atherogenicity:

• taking certain medications: statins, erythromycin, antifungal drugs;
• following a low-fat diet;

If above normal, what does it mean?

When the coefficient in question exceeds normal values, they speak of a violation of fat metabolism in the patient's body. This means that "bad" cholesterol freely lingers in the vessels, is deposited on their walls, forms plaques and provokes the development of atherosclerosis. This is because "useful" cholesterol is not enough to timely and completely block LDL and VLDL and remove them from the body. The reasons for the increase in the atherogenic index may be other dysmetabolic pathologies, endocrine diseases, an unbalanced diet rich in animal fats, and much more.

If the coefficient of atherogenicity is outside the normal range (value in the range of 3-4), this indicates a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, in particular atherosclerosis, which, to one degree or another, begins to develop in most people after 40 years. If this indicator exceeds the value of 5, this indicates atherosclerotic changes occurring in the body.

Atherosclerosis is a lesion of the walls of blood vessels with the deposition of cholesterol plaques on their inner lining, which can form blood clots. Such changes contribute to the damage of blood vessels: they become brittle, thickened with affected areas of the endothelium.

This disease often affects the lower limbs: then the patient begins to feel lameness. Over time, atherosclerosis can significantly limit the motor activity of a patient whose atherogenic coefficient is high and no measures are taken to normalize it.

Often, cholesterol plaques form in the coronary vessels that feed the heart. In such cases, the risk of developing diseases such as angina pectoris, heart attack or stroke increases.

When atherosclerotic changes occur in the vessels of the brain and the atherogenic coefficient is much higher than normal, patients notice a deterioration in memory, vision, attention, endurance, etc. In the most serious cases, a cerebral stroke can occur, which is fraught with death.

Reasons for increasing the coefficient

The following main reasons for increasing the atherogenicity coefficient are considered:

1. Abuse of food rich in animal fats. This includes almost all fatty foods that average Russians prefer: pastries, sausages and semi-finished meat products, pork products, margarine, eggs. When a person eats a lot of these foods, a lot of “bad” cholesterol is formed in the blood, which proportionally increases the atherogenic coefficient.
2. Smoking and alcohol slow down metabolic processes in the body, and also increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
3. Excess body weight is a direct path to a high atherogenic index, since the problem itself in most cases arises from a commitment to fatty foods. Obese people who have a high ratio of “bad” to “good” cholesterol are at particular risk for developing atherosclerosis, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
4. Increased blood pressure. On average, 30% of the population of developed countries suffer from this pathology, while the disease increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis due to the increased load on the vessels. Hypertension negatively affects the metabolic processes in the body, therefore, it can lead to an increase in the atherogenic coefficient.
5. Diabetes. In such patients, the atherogenic coefficient is always at the level of high values, even if the person fully adheres to a healthy lifestyle. Elevated levels and sugar in the blood inevitably leads to the development of atherosclerosis.
6. Heredity. This factor is important and can sometimes be the only cause of hypercholesterolemia.
7. Sedentary lifestyle. Hypodynamia is reflected in the concentration of lipids in the blood: there are more of them and they are deposited faster on the walls of blood vessels.

If below normal, what does it mean?

A reduced level of the atherogenic coefficient is said to be if its value is less than 1.9. But even this fact has no special clinical significance and is not considered as a pathology of metabolic processes in the body. On the contrary, such an index value may indicate a high concentration of high-density lipoproteins in the blood and a minimal risk of developing atherosclerosis, as well as other cardiovascular diseases.

Such an analysis result can be obtained if a person performed heavy physical exercises the day before blood donation for the study.

If a patient has cholesterol deposits under the skin or over the tendons, or coronary heart disease, but the atherogenic coefficient is low, this may indicate the presence of a rare hereditary disease - hypocholesterolemia. The nature and mechanism of its development are not fully understood.

What to do if the atherogenic index is not normal?

If this indicator is below the accepted norm, then in most cases no specific treatment is required. Doctors may recommend that you undergo additional studies with other highly specialized specialists to exclude some possible diseases (endocrine, kidney diseases). In addition, such patients are often prescribed a second test after 1-2 months, since some factors (hard physical work, drug therapy) can significantly affect the value of the atherogenic coefficient.

If it is above the norm, the patient needs to take all measures to normalize it. This diagnostic result suggests that a small amount of “good” cholesterol is not able to block many “bad” cells, which are deposited on the walls of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis and other related pathologies. The goal of normalizing lipid metabolism is to increase the amount of "good" cholesterol and reduce bad.

Often such patients need drugs - cholesterol-lowering drugs. The main group of drugs used for these purposes are statins. They block the production of low and very low density lipoproteins, contribute to their removal from the body, and also increase the concentration of “good” cholesterol in the blood.

But not all groups of patients can use these drugs due to the large list of contraindications. Other medicines that normalize lipid metabolism in the body can be:

• fibrates;
• a nicotinic acid;
• cholesterol absorption inhibitor;
• bile acid sequestrants;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Sometimes a combination is required.

During drug therapy, constant monitoring of the content of lipoproteins in the blood is necessary. To do this, the patient needs to regularly do a lipid profile, which not only determines the final result of the atherogenic coefficient, but also calculates the amount of all lipids in the blood separately. So, if as a result of the treatment, the HDL level began to decrease, it is worth immediately changing the drug tactics, since its further use can only accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.

The second important component of measures to reduce the atherogenic index is a well-chosen diet. Its main task is to minimize the intake of cholesterol with food. Therefore, you need to abandon foods with animal fats, pay more attention to vegetable and polyunsaturated fats, foods rich in fiber, sources of phytosterols (avocados, garlic, oat bran, etc.). The diet should also be aimed at weight loss, which will help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is necessary not only to carefully select the products that make up the daily diet, but also to monitor the total daily calorie content.

Regular physical activity is also important in the normalization process - at least 4 times a week for half an hour. But the attending physician should select the permissible loads, taking into account the state of the vessels and the heart.

If a person has a high atherogenic coefficient, you should not try to improve your health on your own. Only an experienced doctor can correctly draw up a treatment regimen and select individually suitable medications and techniques. Appeal to qualified specialists is also due to the fact that the patient during the treatment period needs regular testing for a lipid profile.

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.