The atherogenic index is a good indicator of the health of the arteries.
In this way, it is possible to know whether there are certain types of viruses or whether there is too much sugar in the blood. However, today in this article we talk about knowing the risk of atherosclerosis through the atherogenic index.
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What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition that can develop for many years without giving any symptoms . It is a problem of the circulatory system in which there is a hardening and a loss of elasticity in the walls of the arteries.
This is due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which are mainly made up of lipids. Therefore, fatty substances such as cholesterol that are present in the blood can become part of this plaque.
In this way, as time passes, this type of substance can accumulate, coating the walls and causing a progressive decrease in the diameter of the blood vessel.
What is the atherogenic index?
A very frequent doubt comes when interpreting the results of blood tests. Some patients do not know what it is and how to interpret if the atherogenic index that appears in this document is good or bad.
The atherogenic index is a number that expresses the potential for obstruction of the arteries . The atherogenic index allows knowing, therefore, how to know the risk of atherosclerosis, and in the analyzes it can be found represented by the acronym IA.
This is calculated according to different parameters that are explained in the following point. Here’s how to get to the atherogenic index, how to easily interpret this number, and what the correct values are.
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How is the atherogenic index calculated?
The atherogenic index is calculated through other parameters . In particular, it is necessary to have the number that indicates the amount of HDL cholesterol and the amount of triglycerides. Then it is necessary to perform the following formula:
Plasma atherogenic index = Log (triglycerides / HDL cholesterol)
Once the atherogenic index is obtained, the result must be interpreted. The reference is as follows:
- Low atherogenic index when AI < 0.11
- Mean atherogenic index when AI = 0.11 – 0.21
- High atherogenic index when AI > 0.21
Symptoms according to the value of the atherogenic index
Atherosclerosis does not present symptoms until some severe problems appear . This is why atherosclerosis has no symptoms until an artery is so tight or clogged that it can no longer supply blood to certain tissues or organs.
When this happens, the symptoms are serious, and great pain can be manifested depending on the affected area. For example, severe chest pain can resemble the symptoms of a heart attack.
On the other hand, there may be sudden numbness and weakness in different muscles that affect the extremities or, for example, facial muscles. This sometimes prevents speaking or gives a pronounced stutter, which in severe cases can be caused by damage to the cerebral arteries in a stroke.
Thus, it must be taken into account that having a high atherogenic index implies the generation of atherogenic plaque. This means more probability of long-term problems appearing, which, although they do not present symptoms for years, can lead to a fatal outcome.
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Associated complications
There are different complications associated with having a high atherogenic index . This value indicates a greater probability of the development of atherogenic plaque, with which cardiovascular health may be more or less affected, depending on how long this has been taking place.
It is often thought to be a heart problem only, but it can affect any artery in the body. The generation of atherogenic plaque compromises the passage of blood, and has consequences that can be serious or very serious. An example of this is the increase in blood pressure or the blockage of an artery.
This plate is also increased by the development of a kind of structure that ends up conferring a certain support. This is made up of fibrous substances and connective cells, and is the cause of the loss of elasticity in the blood vessels and they become more rigid.
In the most advanced phase of the disease, calcifications and necrosis occur, that is, cell death. This complicates the clinical picture, being increasingly difficult to treat. On the other hand, the detachment of a thrombus that detaches itself from the walls can travel through the bloodstream and completely block blood circulation at another point.
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Risk factors and prevention
There are several factors that trigger a high atherogenic index . There are clinical factors that can clearly predispose to atherosclerosis, such as dyslipidemia, which refers to a high concentration of fats in the blood.
Although there may be certain hereditary factors involved, such as high blood coagulation, the truth is that the most determining impact is lifestyle. The most important thing is to take into account everything that can generate high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In addition, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and abdominal obesity are directly related to atherosclerosis and a high atherogenic index. It should also be noted that men are more likely to develop a high atherogenic index, since women in hormones are a protective factor.
In conclusion, you have to have a life away from bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and smoking. This disorder can be cured if measures are taken in time, and especially prevented. Exercising and eating healthy foods are the main premises for this.
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Bibliographic references
- Bale, B.F., Doneen, A.L. y Vigerust, D.J. (2016). High-risk periodontal pathogens contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, Postgrad. Med. J., 1-7.
- Gotto, A.M. (1985). Some reflections on arteriosclerosis: past, present, and future, in Circulation, 72, 8-17.
- Grundtman, C. (2011). The autoimmune concept of atherosclerosis. Curr. Opin. Lipidol., 22, 327–334.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.