Index (ratio) atherogenic - quantity characterizing the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis in humans. This rate is determined at the time of general biochemical analysis of blood, or in the more highly specialized research - lipidogram. The index is essential for early detection of disorders of lipid balance in the blood, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of atherosclerosis.
The content of the article:
- 1 What atherogenic factor
- 2 How to calculate the atherogenic index
- 3 Norms for men and women
- 4 Reasons for increasing atherogenic factor
- 5 reduction methods
- 6 The reasons for lowering the atherogenic index
- 7 methods to improve
- 8 How to prepare for the analysis to determine the level of IA?
- 9 As the analysis
- 10 What factors may affect the test result?
- 11 Video of the atherogenic index
What atherogenic factor
atherogenic index - a characteristic of the relationship between "bad" and "good" cholesterol, and more precisely lipoproteins - connections for the delivery of cholesterol to the tissues and organs systems. In contrast to the total cholesterol, the index gives more information on the fat metabolism.
This is due to the fact that cholesterol (a natural fatty alcohol) in the body represented in the compounds of 2 types:
-
High density lipoproteins (HDL). They are readily soluble, do not tend to precipitate and to provoke the growth of atherosclerotic plaques (are not atherogenic). Moreover, the "good" lipoproteins protects the vessels from atherosclerotic lesions, carrying cholesterol from the bloodstream. So fats get to the tissues that need them.
- LDL (LDL) and very low density (VLDL). These substances are poorly soluble, are capable of releasing the precipitate in a crystalline form and cholesterol atherosclerotic deposits on the vascular walls. In other words, the LDL and VLDL have the property of atherogenesis. In general atherogenic violation is accompanied by three processes:
- increase in total cholesterol;
- growth of 'bad' compounds lipoprotein (LDL and VLDL);
- decrease "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Atherogenic index represents an estimate of all 3 processes expressed by one digit.
Factor makes it possible to immediately respond to the following questions:
- whether there is a propensity for atherosclerotic processes;
- how quickly progresses revealed atherosclerosis;
- Do I need a change in diet or lifestyle;
- whether there is a need for the appointment of drugs for lowering cholesterol.
It should be noted that although the growth of cholesterol in the blood is considered to be the main condition for the development of atherosclerosis, the disease can be diagnosed in people with the normal value in the background:
- obesity;
- addictions;
- metabolic disorders;
- high pressure.
How to calculate the atherogenic index
Formally, to calculate koefftsienta atherogenic need to know only two values - total cholesterol and "good" cholesterol (HDL). However, since the study is prescribed to people who already have symptoms or suspicion of disease, blood biochemistry or lipidogram (highly specialized analysis for evaluation of lipid metabolism) include concentrations valuation:
- total cholesterol (Kobsch) - amounts of high, low and very low density lipoprotein;
- high density lipoprotein (Klvp);
- lipoprotein and very low density (Klnp and Klonp);
- triglycerides (TG) - compounds found in the blood as part of Klonp.
atherogenic index shows the ratio of good and bad cholesterol
For calculation coefficient (depending on the laboratory and reading) such relationships are used:
- Ka (atherogenic factor) = (Kobsch - Klvp) / Klvp. According to this formula, the calculation can be made, knowing only 2 parameters;
- Ka = (Klnp Klonp +) / Klvp. This formula is more intuitive, it therefrom it is evident that atherogenic index is the ratio of "bad" cholesterol to "good";
- Ka = (Tg + Klnp / 2) / Klvp. This calculation is similar to the previous one, but involves determining VLDL triglycerides through.
Norms for men and women
atherogenic index - a measure, normal values of which depend on gender and age.
Standards are presented in the table:
| Age, years | Norma Ka (male) | Norma Ka (female) |
| 20–30 | less than 2.5 | less than 2.2 |
| 30–39 | 2,1–4,9 | 1,9–4,4 |
| 40-60 (in the absence of coronary artery disease) | 3,0–3,5 | less than 3.2 |
| 40-60 (in the presence of ischemic heart disease) | 3,5–4,0 | 3,5–4,0 |
Values greater than 3.2, but does not reach 4 appropriately called border. This calculation result indicates that atherosclerotic changes may occur in the near future time, causing thrombosis and ischemic (so these values and believe in ischemia permissible).
Reasons for increasing atherogenic factor
Increasing the atherogenic index up 4 or more (with rapidly progressive atherosclerosis index often increased by several times) shows that in vascular arteries and precipitates Cholesterol accumulates.
The reason the process is a large concentration of "bad" lipoprotein, cholesterol is not washed out of the vessel, and leave it there.
Despite the fact that only 20-30% cholesterol fed in the diet (the bulk synthesized by the liver, kidneys, adrenals, intestine), food to be mentioned among the factors that increase the coefficient atherogenic.
Among the negative features of the diet should be noted:
- overeating;
- excessive consumption of trans fats and "fast" carbohydrates (flour and confectionery, fast food, potato chips, popcorn);
- the lack in the diet:
- fiber;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3-6-9);
- vitamins (E and group B);
- minerals and microelements (calcium, magnesium, iodine).
- Insufficient intake of lipotropic substances promoting the normalization of lipid metabolism and liver protecting against fat lesions. Lipotropov deficit can be replenished by adding a menu:
- beef;
- chicken eggs;
- lean fish and cottage cheese;
- soy flour.
Increase in the concentration of low molecular weight lipoproteins contribute to these diseases and lifestyle characteristics:
- heredity. The probability of the development of atherosclerosis is higher in those blood relatives who have heart disease and blood vessels, combined with high cholesterol. This phenomenon is called "familial dyslipidemia";
- continuous emotional stress and regular stress;
- overweight or inadequate caloric intake (overeating);
- smoking. Contained in cigarette smoke substances do not only contribute to the organism intoxication, but also cause vasospasm;
- Low levels of physical activity;
- violation of the outflow of bile processes liver diseases (in this organ produces 60% of the total cholesterol) - this phenomenon may be provoked abuse of alcohol or drugs, poisoning or hepatic amid viral infections (cytomegalovirus, herpes, chlamydia). Viral diseases, in addition, can cause adverse changes in the structure of vessel walls;
- endocrine disruptions - high cholesterol and atherosclerosis often accompany diabetes. Also fat metabolism disorders provoked increased adrenocortical function and the lack of thyroid hormone or gonads;
-
hypertonic disease - constant high pressure has a negative impact on vascular tone and can provoke significant atherosclerosis even with a small increase in the coefficient of atherogenesis.
Atherosclerotic changes (and therefore a high Ca) more often diagnosed in men - this is due to the peculiarities of lifestyle (alcohol abuse, smoking), and hormonal levels. Women are in the "at risk" after 50 years - in menopause when production decreases protecting vessels of female hormones.
The main risk of atherosclerosis is that cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels disrupt blood flow to the vital organs causing myocardial infarction (acute circulatory disorders of the heart muscle) or a stroke (acute circulatory disorder brain).
In addition, the deposition of cholesterol can lead to dangerous states:
- atherosclerosis of the aorta;
- vascular aneurysm;
- atherosclerotic narrowing of the abdominal aorta;
- renal perfusion, until the infarct body;
- severe high pressure, accompanied by renal insufficiency;
- ischemic attack - a condition like a stroke, but lasting no more than a day;
- extremity vascular lesions.
Violation of cerebral circulation, even without provoking acute conditions, can lead to:
- deterioration of thinking and attention;
- decrease in efficiency;
- fainting;
- dementia.
However, even minor atherosclerotic changes in vessels affect the blood supply of the process of any organ, impairing its operation.
reduction methods
atherogenic index - a measure of fat metabolism in the body, the balance between production / dietary intake of "bad" and "good" lipoprotein. Changing this relationship - it is quite a long process, involving complex measures, including:
- changes in lifestyle. Among the general recommendations here are: not smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, normalization of work and rest, reducing the stress load on the body;
- to ensure the necessary level of physical activity. In the absence of diseases can train 4 times a week for 30-40 minutes - appropriate aerobic exercises, running, different areas of training, improving blood circulation and heart function. If there is a chronic disorder, your doctor may recommend sparing load. Tangible benefits can bring even regular walking or cycling, swimming;
- elimination of the disease, provoking disturbances of lipid metabolism - it concerns the liver and endocrine system. Without prior removal of such violations adjustment atherogenic index is meaningless.
Nutrition under elevated cholesterol plays a special role. What is important is not only the composition of the diet, but also the basic principles, among them:
- Understanding the difference between the good (fish oil, vegetable oil) and harmful (lard, fatty meats and fish, whole dairy products, fast food) fat.
- Eating food prepared for a couple, either by boiling, stewing, roasting. Fried foods should be avoided.
- Maintaining drinking regime - at least 2 liters of clean drinking water per day, adding to the amount of green tea, juices and compotes.
- Fractional power - 5-6 times a day, without eating or "hungry" periods.
Prohibited and recommended products are presented in the table:
| type of product | allowed | Prohibited |
| fatty food | Olive, sunflower, linseed oil - no more than 2 tablespoons. l. in a day | Palm and coconut oils, lard, margarine |
| Meat dishes |
|
|
| Seafood | Boiled or steam fish - no more than 2-3 times a week | Fried fish and canned fish |
| Brees | Brees on lean meat or vegetables | "Heavy" meat broth |
| Eggs and dairy products | egg white; skimmed milk; cottage cheese; yoghurt and low fat cheeses. |
|
| Porridge and flour |
|
Butter cakes |
| Vegetables and fruits | Any fruits and vegetables fresh and frozen, dried fruit, and legumes | Fruit in sugar or syrup, potato chips, fried potatoes |
| Dessert |
|
|
| Beverages |
|
|
| sauces |
|
Various sauces, particularly mayonnaise. |
Medication is prescribed, if the increase atherogenic index significantly, or the ineffectiveness of the measures listed above to change lifestyle and nutrition (for 6 months).
In addition, the dose of medication is required in the presence of:
- coronary heart disease;
- myocardial infarction or stroke;
- obesity;
- diabetes;
- confirmed hereditary - cases of death caused by cardiovascular disease up to 50 years in close relatives.
Among the types of medicines used:
- statins - drugs that inhibit enzymes involved in the production of cholesterol in the body. Statins enhance the quality of small deposits damaged vascular walls and normalize blood viscosity. the latest generation of drugs - atorvastatin, cerivastatin, Pitavastiatin not only reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, but also raise the level of "good";
- fibrates - reduce the concentration of fat in the blood plasma, reduce thrombosis, improve the quality of the vascular wall. Preparations successfully combined with statins. Among modern drugs: bezafibrate, Ciprofibrate, Fenofibrate;
- sequestrantsbile acids - reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and increase bile excretion from the body. Have more side effects, so often used in combination. Among the international names of drugs - cholestyramine, colestipol, Kolekstran;
- cholesterol absorption inhibitorsin the gut - drugs selectively inhibit the absorption of cholesterol (Ezitimib, Ezeterol). Medicines not affect the allocation of bile acids and do not alter the production of cholesterol in the liver. Lack of preparations - high cost;
- Nicotinic acid (Niacin or Vitamin B3) - it reduces the rate of atherosclerotic processes, capable of dissolving small plaques, and reduces the level of sugar in the blood. Nicotinic acid is rarely used as a separate preparation in the therapy of advanced atherosclerosis.
Preparations, especially in combination, have a different set of side effects, so can only designate treatment physician.
Therapy aims to not only lower the total cholesterol, but to change the ratio of "bad" and "good" lipoprotein. Therefore requires constant monitoring of levels of atherogenic - if you begin to fall "good" cholesterol, therapy should be reviewed.
In the course of treatment are controlled and laboratory parameters that may indicate the presence of side effects (liver function monitoring).
There are mechanical methods of blood purification (extracorporeal blood correction). Among them we should highlight krioaferez (affecting the high-temperature plasma blood) and the plasma cascade filter (Tech removal from the blood selectively "bad" cholesterol and certain hazardous substances).
The technique is shown at a combination of excess cholesterol from:
- prolonged or severe angina pectoris;
- myocardial infarction (subacute);
- cerebral atherosclerosis;
- plaques in the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- transient cerebral circulatory disorders (transient attacks);
- recovery period after ischemic stroke.
The treatment improves the condition of the walls and vascular tone, quickly adjusts fat balance in the blood.
The reasons for lowering the atherogenic index
Decreased value of atherogenic index is not a violation - it does not indicate any disease. Young women on a background of normal estrogen levels and general health index may be 1.7-1.8.
In addition, the cause of the small blood atherogenic lipoproteins can be:
- maintaining a diet with a small amount of "bad" cholesterol over a significant time period;
- food, suggesting minimal content of animal fat;
- administration of drugs for lowering cholesterol;
- receiving antifungal drugs;
- frequent and intense exercise.
low atherogenicity poses no threat, moreover, shows a good condition for a healthy human vessels. However, it is important to pay attention to other indicators of lipid profile - is normal if high lipoproteins, low and very low density separately.
If atherogenicity undervalued against the background of extremely low concentrations of "bad" cholesterol, it may indicate:
- hyperthyroidism;
- chronic lung diseases;
- anemia;
- presence of rare syndromes: Reye, Tangier, malabsorption.
methods to improve
If the problem is poor nutrition, increase the cholesterol and its compounds to normal as possible, eating more than animal fats. One of the leaders of the cholesterol content are egg yolks.
If there is suspicion of a systemic disease caused by disorders of lipid metabolism, further diagnosis and correction.
How to prepare for the analysis to determine the level of IA?
atherogenic index - a measure, which is necessary to determine the sampling of venous blood.
Ensure maximum accuracy studies will help such training algorithm:
- Kindly (once appointed analysis) tell your doctor about all the medicines taken - on a permanent basis or rate.
- Within a week (if possible, 2 weeks) prior to analysis eating normally.
- During the day, do not abuse the fatty, smoked and fried foods, avoid alcohol and eliminate physical overload and stress.
- Donating blood should be strictly on an empty stomach (the last meal should be no less than 12 hours).
- In the morning is allowed to drink water (from juice, coffee or tea should be discarded).
- As far as possible not to smoke for an hour before blood sampling.
- 5-30 minutes just prior to delivery of desirable sit quietly.
The study is not carried out after serious illness, surgery, myocardial infarction - in such cases the analysis is delayed for at least 6 weeks.
As the analysis
Blood is taken from a vein (the patient should take a sitting position), usually in the morning. The result can be obtained (depending on the laboratory and research volume) after 1-3 days.
atherogenic index is often mentioned as a separate study, however, this figure is included in the calculation of the screening or advanced lipid profile study.
What factors may affect the test result?
The deviation in the results of the study may be due to a violation of the preparation procedures, especially lifestyle or use of certain medications.
atherogenic index may be higher than normal (including a healthy person) in the following cases:
- blood sampling exercise in a standing position;
- adherence to turn "starvation" (assuming a low calorie content) or, conversely, a diet rich in animal fats;
- reception or anabolic steroids;
- estrogen therapy - if women taking hormonal medications, revealed a sharp increase in Ca, it makes sense to visit a gynecologist to evaluate the feasibility of substitution drugs;
- hormonal surges - menstruation, pregnancy.
Inadequately low atherogenic factor can be in the conditions:
- the preceding analysis of heavy physical exertion;
- taking blood from the patient in the supine position;
- receiving erythromycin, antifungal agents;
- dieting with extensive consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a minimum of "harmful" fats.
atherogenic index allows a single number to characterize the lipid metabolism in the body. This design parameter, enabling the timely identification of the risk of arteriosclerosis and correct undesirable tendency - often enough to make changes in lifestyle and food habits.
If the appointed agents for lowering cholesterol, atherogenic calculation will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.
Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great
Video of the atherogenic index
About good and bad cholesterol:
