What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol. How does the HDL/LDL ratio affect cardiovascular health. What are the recommended cholesterol levels for adults and children. How can you improve your cholesterol profile naturally.

The Basics of Cholesterol: HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides

Cholesterol is a vital substance produced by the liver and found in certain foods. While essential for various bodily functions, excessive amounts of specific cholesterol types can lead to health issues. Understanding the different components of cholesterol is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

What are the main types of cholesterol?

The three primary components of total cholesterol are:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – often referred to as “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – known as “good” cholesterol
• Triglycerides – another type of fat in the blood

LDL cholesterol can accumulate in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. In contrast, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, offering protection against cardiovascular issues. Triglycerides, while not technically cholesterol, are included in total cholesterol measurements and can contribute to heart disease risk when levels are high.

Decoding Cholesterol Numbers: What Do They Mean?

Interpreting cholesterol test results can be confusing. Let’s break down the numbers and understand what they signify for your health.

How are cholesterol levels measured?

Cholesterol levels are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. A complete lipid profile includes measurements of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. These values help healthcare providers assess an individual’s risk for heart disease and determine appropriate interventions.

What are the optimal cholesterol levels for adults?

According to the 2018 guidelines published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, here are the recommended cholesterol levels for adults:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL (below 70 mg/dL for those with coronary artery disease)
• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher (ideally), at least 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual targets may vary based on personal health factors and risk assessment.

The HDL/LDL Ratio: A Key Indicator of Heart Health

While individual cholesterol measurements are important, the ratio between HDL and LDL cholesterol provides valuable insight into cardiovascular health.

Why is the HDL/LDL ratio significant?

The HDL/LDL ratio helps assess the balance between protective and harmful cholesterol in your body. A higher ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, as it suggests there’s more good cholesterol (HDL) to help remove the bad cholesterol (LDL) from your bloodstream.

How is the HDL/LDL ratio calculated?

To calculate the HDL/LDL ratio, divide your HDL cholesterol level by your LDL cholesterol level. For example, if your HDL is 60 mg/dL and your LDL is 100 mg/dL, your ratio would be 0.6.

What is a good HDL/LDL ratio?

Generally, a higher HDL/LDL ratio is better. The American Heart Association suggests that a ratio of 0.4 or higher is desirable, with ratios above 0.5 considered excellent. However, it’s crucial to consider this ratio alongside absolute cholesterol levels and other risk factors when assessing overall cardiovascular health.

Cholesterol Levels Across Different Age Groups and Genders

Cholesterol levels can vary based on age and gender. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate health assessment and personalized treatment approaches.

How do cholesterol levels differ between men and women?

While most cholesterol guidelines are similar for both genders, there are some notable differences:

• HDL cholesterol: Women typically need higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men. The recommended minimum is 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men.
• Risk factors: Women’s risk for high cholesterol increases after menopause, while men generally have a higher risk throughout their lives.

What are the recommended cholesterol levels for children?

Children have different cholesterol targets compared to adults. According to the JACC, here are the recommended levels for children:

• Total cholesterol: 170 mg/dL or less
• LDL cholesterol: Less than 110 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: Greater than 45 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: Less than 75 mg/dL for children 0-9 years; less than 90 mg/dL for children 10-19 years

It’s important to note that children with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol may require more frequent monitoring and different target levels.

Factors Influencing Cholesterol Levels: Beyond Diet and Exercise

While diet and exercise play crucial roles in managing cholesterol, several other factors can impact your lipid profile.

What genetic factors affect cholesterol levels?

Genetic predisposition can significantly influence cholesterol levels. Familial hypercholesterolemia, for instance, is an inherited condition that causes abnormally high LDL cholesterol levels from birth. Understanding your family history can help you and your healthcare provider better manage your cholesterol.

How do hormones impact cholesterol?

Hormonal changes can affect cholesterol levels. For example:

• Thyroid hormones: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to increased LDL cholesterol.
• Estrogen: The decline in estrogen during menopause can result in higher LDL and lower HDL levels in women.
• Testosterone: Low testosterone in men has been associated with unfavorable changes in cholesterol profiles.

Can medications affect cholesterol levels?

Certain medications can impact cholesterol levels. For instance:

• Some blood pressure medications may increase LDL cholesterol.
• Oral contraceptives can affect HDL and LDL levels.
• Steroids can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.

It’s essential to discuss potential side effects of medications with your healthcare provider and monitor your cholesterol levels regularly if you’re on long-term medication.

Natural Ways to Improve Your Cholesterol Profile

While medication may be necessary for some individuals, there are several lifestyle changes that can help improve your cholesterol levels naturally.

How can diet modifications help manage cholesterol?

Dietary changes can significantly impact cholesterol levels. Consider the following strategies:

• Increase fiber intake: Soluble fiber can help lower LDL cholesterol. Good sources include oats, beans, and fruits.
• Choose healthy fats: Replace saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish.
• Limit dietary cholesterol: While dietary cholesterol has less impact than previously thought, reducing intake of high-cholesterol foods can still be beneficial for some individuals.
• Incorporate plant sterols and stanols: These compounds, found naturally in plants and added to some foods, can help lower LDL cholesterol.

What types of exercise are most effective for improving cholesterol?

Regular physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The most effective types of exercise include:

1. Aerobic exercises: Activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
2. Resistance training: Incorporating weight lifting or bodyweight exercises can help improve overall cholesterol profiles.
3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): Short bursts of intense exercise followed by recovery periods can be particularly effective in improving lipid profiles.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions.

When to Seek Professional Help: Cholesterol Management and Medical Intervention

While lifestyle changes can significantly impact cholesterol levels, some individuals may require medical intervention to manage their cholesterol effectively.

When should you consult a healthcare provider about your cholesterol?

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:

• Your cholesterol levels remain high despite lifestyle changes
• You have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
• You have other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Your total cholesterol is above 240 mg/dL or your LDL cholesterol is above 160 mg/dL

What medical treatments are available for managing high cholesterol?

Several medication options are available for managing high cholesterol:

• Statins: These are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol.
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications work in the intestines to help remove cholesterol from the body.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food and limit the cholesterol that enters your bloodstream.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer injectable medications can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels and may be used in combination with statins.

The choice of medication depends on various factors, including the severity of your condition, your overall health, and potential side effects. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

How often should cholesterol levels be monitored?

The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20. However, more frequent testing may be necessary if you:

• Have a history of high cholesterol
• Are taking cholesterol-lowering medications
• Have other risk factors for heart disease
• Are over 40 years old

Your healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate screening schedule based on your individual risk factors and health status.

By age, LDL, HDL, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Recommended total cholesterol levels are under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for most adults and under 170 mg/dL for children. Women typically need more HDL (good cholesterol) than men.

Good heart health is like a building block: It’s cumulative. This is particularly true when it comes to high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes. It’s also found in certain foods. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. But having too much of the bad type of cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having high cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “men,” “women,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. It consists of:

• low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
• high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
• triglycerides

LDL is also called “bad” cholesterol because it blocks your blood vessels and increases your risk for heart disease. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps protect you from heart disease. The higher your HDL, the better.

Total cholesterol also includes a triglyceride count. These are another type of fat that can build up in the body and are considered the “building blocks” of cholesterol.

High levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL raise your risk for heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20, which is when cholesterol levels can start to rise.

As we age, cholesterol levels tend to climb. Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol. However, a woman’s risk goes up after she enters menopause.

For those with high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, more frequent testing is recommended.

Cholesterol chart for adults

According to the 2018 guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults.

All values are in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and are based on fasting measurements.

Cholesterol levels in men vs.

women

Generally, guidelines are similar for men and women over the age of 20, though they differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above. Women should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol.

Children who are physically active, eat a nutrient-dense diet, are not overweight, and do not have a family history of high cholesterol are at a lower risk for having high cholesterol.

Current guidelines recommend that all children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9 and 11 years, and then again between ages 17 and 21 years.

Children with more risk factors, such as having diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol, should be checked between ages 2 and 8 years, and again between ages 12 and 16 years.

Cholesterol chart for children

According to the JACC, the following are the recommended cholesterol levels for children:

All values are in mg/dL:

Your doctor may recommend a plan of treatment for high cholesterol that includes lifestyle modifications and potentially medication. This will vary based on factors like other medications you may be taking, your age, sex, and general health.

Here are some medications more commonly prescribed for high cholesterol:

• Statins. Statins lower the LDL cholesterol levels by slowing the production of cholesterol by the liver.
• Bile acid sequestrants. Bile acid sequestrants are substances used in digestion. These resins can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by binding to bile acids and removing them, forcing the body to break down LDL cholesterol to create bile acids instead.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors can block the absorption of cholesterol from the diet, sometimes in conjunction with statins.
• Bempedoic acid. Bempedoic acid helps to stop an enzyme in the liver, ATP citrate lyase, from making cholesterol. This drug is often combined with statins for increased benefit for those with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that can cause early heart disease.
• PCSK9 inhibitors. Also used frequently with familial hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9 inhibitors, which are injected drugs, help the liver absorb and remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Medications can also be used to treat contributing factors to cholesterol like triglycerides. These may be used in addition to some of the medications above.

“One misconception is that people can have poorly controlled cholesterol for years and then decide to take action. By then the plaque could already have built up,” says Dr. Eugenia Gianos, director of cardiovascular prevention for Northwell Health in New York.

The good news is that lifestyle changes are reasonably effective in helping you reduce cholesterol levels. They’re also fairly straightforward and can be done at any age and within most abilities.

• Exercise if you can. Physical activity can help you lose weight and boost your HDL cholesterol. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate cardiovascular exercise, such as biking, jogging, swimming, and dancing, at least 5 times a week.
• Eat more fiber. Try to add more fiber to your diet, such as replacing white bread and pasta with whole grains.
• Eat healthy fats: Healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, and certain nuts. These are all fats that won’t raise your LDL levels.
• Limit your saturated-fat intake. Reduce the amount of high-saturated fatty foods like cheese, whole milk, and high-fat red meats.
• Limit red and processed meats, sodium and sugar-sweetened foods. A heart healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts, while limiting processed meats, excess sodium, and added sugar.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking decreases HDL cholesterol. Quitting can help you better manage your cholesterol levels.
• Limit your alcohol intake. The American Heart Association recommends drinking alcohol in moderation, which means, on average, no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. Drinking too much alcohol can raise levels of triglyceride fats in the bloodstream and lead to conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and atrial fibrillation.
• Get to a healthy-for-you weight. Losing excess body weight can help lower your cholesterol levels.
• Check your levels. You can see a doctor or use an at-home test kit to check your cholesterol levels. You can purchase a testing kit online from LetsGetChecked here.

There are few noticeable symptoms of high cholesterol. Emergency symptoms such as a stroke or heart attack may be the only indicator of damage from high cholesterol. This means that regular monitoring by a doctor is essential.

Most people should get their cholesterol checked with a blood test every 4 to 6 years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent screening if you live with any of the following:

• a history of heart conditions
• family history of high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• if you smoke
• have overweight or obesity

Read this article in Spanish.

By age, LDL, HDL, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Recommended total cholesterol levels are under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for most adults and under 170 mg/dL for children. Women typically need more HDL (good cholesterol) than men.

Good heart health is like a building block: It’s cumulative. This is particularly true when it comes to high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes. It’s also found in certain foods. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. But having too much of the bad type of cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having high cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “men,” “women,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. It consists of:

• low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
• high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
• triglycerides

LDL is also called “bad” cholesterol because it blocks your blood vessels and increases your risk for heart disease. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps protect you from heart disease. The higher your HDL, the better.

Total cholesterol also includes a triglyceride count. These are another type of fat that can build up in the body and are considered the “building blocks” of cholesterol.

High levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL raise your risk for heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20, which is when cholesterol levels can start to rise.

As we age, cholesterol levels tend to climb. Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol. However, a woman’s risk goes up after she enters menopause.

For those with high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, more frequent testing is recommended.

Cholesterol chart for adults

According to the 2018 guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults.

All values are in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and are based on fasting measurements.

Cholesterol levels in men vs.

women

Generally, guidelines are similar for men and women over the age of 20, though they differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above. Women should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol.

Children who are physically active, eat a nutrient-dense diet, are not overweight, and do not have a family history of high cholesterol are at a lower risk for having high cholesterol.

Current guidelines recommend that all children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9 and 11 years, and then again between ages 17 and 21 years.

Children with more risk factors, such as having diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol, should be checked between ages 2 and 8 years, and again between ages 12 and 16 years.

Cholesterol chart for children

According to the JACC, the following are the recommended cholesterol levels for children:

All values are in mg/dL:

Your doctor may recommend a plan of treatment for high cholesterol that includes lifestyle modifications and potentially medication. This will vary based on factors like other medications you may be taking, your age, sex, and general health.

Here are some medications more commonly prescribed for high cholesterol:

• Statins. Statins lower the LDL cholesterol levels by slowing the production of cholesterol by the liver.
• Bile acid sequestrants. Bile acid sequestrants are substances used in digestion. These resins can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by binding to bile acids and removing them, forcing the body to break down LDL cholesterol to create bile acids instead.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors can block the absorption of cholesterol from the diet, sometimes in conjunction with statins.
• Bempedoic acid. Bempedoic acid helps to stop an enzyme in the liver, ATP citrate lyase, from making cholesterol. This drug is often combined with statins for increased benefit for those with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that can cause early heart disease.
• PCSK9 inhibitors. Also used frequently with familial hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9 inhibitors, which are injected drugs, help the liver absorb and remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Medications can also be used to treat contributing factors to cholesterol like triglycerides. These may be used in addition to some of the medications above.

“One misconception is that people can have poorly controlled cholesterol for years and then decide to take action. By then the plaque could already have built up,” says Dr. Eugenia Gianos, director of cardiovascular prevention for Northwell Health in New York.

The good news is that lifestyle changes are reasonably effective in helping you reduce cholesterol levels. They’re also fairly straightforward and can be done at any age and within most abilities.

• Exercise if you can. Physical activity can help you lose weight and boost your HDL cholesterol. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate cardiovascular exercise, such as biking, jogging, swimming, and dancing, at least 5 times a week.
• Eat more fiber. Try to add more fiber to your diet, such as replacing white bread and pasta with whole grains.
• Eat healthy fats: Healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, and certain nuts. These are all fats that won’t raise your LDL levels.
• Limit your saturated-fat intake. Reduce the amount of high-saturated fatty foods like cheese, whole milk, and high-fat red meats.
• Limit red and processed meats, sodium and sugar-sweetened foods. A heart healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts, while limiting processed meats, excess sodium, and added sugar.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking decreases HDL cholesterol. Quitting can help you better manage your cholesterol levels.
• Limit your alcohol intake. The American Heart Association recommends drinking alcohol in moderation, which means, on average, no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. Drinking too much alcohol can raise levels of triglyceride fats in the bloodstream and lead to conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and atrial fibrillation.
• Get to a healthy-for-you weight. Losing excess body weight can help lower your cholesterol levels.
• Check your levels. You can see a doctor or use an at-home test kit to check your cholesterol levels. You can purchase a testing kit online from LetsGetChecked here.

There are few noticeable symptoms of high cholesterol. Emergency symptoms such as a stroke or heart attack may be the only indicator of damage from high cholesterol. This means that regular monitoring by a doctor is essential.

Most people should get their cholesterol checked with a blood test every 4 to 6 years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent screening if you live with any of the following:

• a history of heart conditions
• family history of high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• if you smoke
• have overweight or obesity

Read this article in Spanish.

Calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity – Clinic 1

Coefficient of atherogenicity – an indicator that reflects the degree of risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Atherogenic coefficient – the ratio of “bad” cholesterol to “good”, characterizing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Cholesterol (CH) is a fat-like substance 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, in order 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 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. This is what the coefficient of atherogenicity reflects. 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 atherogenic coefficient equal to 2-3 is considered optimal.

The atherogenic index is a guide value. 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 atherosclerosis and heart and vascular problems.

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 test ordered?

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 low-fat diet 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,
• in men over 45 years of age, in women over 55,
• high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg and above),
• high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease in family members (heart attack or stroke in a male relative under 55 years of age or a woman under 65 years of age),
• ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction or stroke,
• diabetes,
• overweight,
• alcohol abuse,
• ingestion of large amounts of food containing animal fats,
• low physical activity.

If a child is diagnosed with high cholesterol or heart disease, it is recommended that the first lipid profile or total cholesterol test be done between the ages of 2 and 10 years.

Calculation of the coefficient of atherogenicity

Analysis of the atherogenic index in the medical center “Health”

Biomaterial: Blood serum

Deadline (in the laboratory): 1 w.d.

* The site indicates the maximum possible time for the study. It reflects the time of the study in the laboratory and does not include the time for the delivery of the biomaterial to the laboratory. The information provided is for reference only and is not a public offer. For up-to-date information, contact the Contractor’s medical center or call-center.

Lipids (fats). Substances necessary for a living organism. The main lipid that a person receives from food, and from which their own lipids are then formed, is cholesterol. It is part of cell membranes, maintains their strength. Steroid hormones are synthesized from it: hormones of the adrenal cortex that regulate water-salt and carbohydrate metabolism, sex hormones, bile acids are formed, which are involved in the absorption of fats in the intestine. In the skin under the action of sunlight, vitamin D is synthesized from cholesterol, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium.

Various complexes of lipids with proteins circulating in the blood are formed in the liver from cholesterol: high, low and very low density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL, VLDL), between which total cholesterol is divided. Low and very low density lipoproteins are deposited in plaques and contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. High-density lipoproteins contribute to the “pulling” of cholesterol from plaques and play a protective role, stop the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, to assess the risk of atherosclerosis and control, not only the total level of cholesterol, but also the ratio of its fractions is important. Based on these data is calculated.

Atherogenic index. Total blood cholesterol is an important, but still insufficient indicator for judging the violation of cholesterol metabolism, assessing the risk of early development of atherosclerosis, and judging the success of treatment. As part of total cholesterol, several fractions are distinguished, of which two are necessary for establishing the correct diagnosis and prognosis. For a reliable diagnosis of disorders of cholesterol metabolism, it is sufficient to determine total cholesterol (TC) and HDL (high density lipoproteins). Based on these data, the Atherogenic Index is calculated – the main indicator by which one can reliably judge the degree of lipid metabolism disorders and the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. The value of the atherogenic index can be used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and diet.

Indications for prescription

To diagnose pathologies of the cardiovascular system, in particular atherosclerosis, doctors prescribe a comprehensive examination. One of its components is the lipid profile. With this study, it seems possible to evaluate lipid metabolism in the human body. The study contains many indicators, one of them is the coefficient of atherogenicity (CA). If this indicator is increased in a person’s blood, a more detailed examination should be performed. Every person who has problems with fat metabolism should know what the atherogenic index is, as well as how to determine and decipher this figure. Indications for the appointment: diagnosis of atherosclerosis and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment; control of lipid metabolism in overweight people; annual preventive examination in people over 40 years of age.

Interpretation of results/Information for specialists

The norm for a healthy person should not exceed 3-3.5. Values ​​above 3.5-4 indicate an excess of “bad” cholesterol and the risk of developing atherosclerosis. The atherogenic index below the norm (less than 3) has no clinical significance. Along with IA, you need to know other indicators. When calculating the coefficient of atherogenicity, deviations can directly vary both upward and downward. When the atherogenic index does not exceed normal values ​​or its level is below normal, the probability of occurrence of cardiovascular pathology tends to zero. At the level of atherogenic number exceeding 4, the probability of occurrence of ischemic changes in vital organs, thrombosis significantly increases. An atherogenic index of more than 5 indicates the presence of atherosclerotic changes in the vascular bed. In the case when an increase in the coefficient of atherogenicity is detected during the examination, measures must be taken immediately. The primary role for the normalization of the indicator is played by an anti-atherogenic diet. Allocate the main reasons that contribute to the increase in the coefficient: Poor nutrition. Diabetes mellitus with excess body weight or obesity. Bad addictions. Diseases of the liver and thyroid gland.