What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol. How do cholesterol ratios affect heart health. What are optimal cholesterol levels for adults and children. How can you improve your cholesterol profile naturally.

The Basics of Cholesterol: HDL vs LDL

Cholesterol is a crucial substance in our bodies, but not all cholesterol is created equal. Understanding the difference between HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is essential for maintaining good heart health.

HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. On the other hand, LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol as it can build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Key Differences Between HDL and LDL:

• HDL: Helps protect against heart disease
• LDL: Can contribute to arterial blockages
• HDL: Higher levels are better
• LDL: Lower levels are preferable

Is it possible to have too much HDL cholesterol? While rare, extremely high levels of HDL (above 90 mg/dL) may actually increase cardiovascular risk. However, for most people, higher HDL levels are associated with better heart health.

Decoding Cholesterol Ratios: What Do They Mean?

Cholesterol ratios provide a more comprehensive picture of your heart health than individual cholesterol numbers alone. The most commonly used ratio is total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol number by your HDL cholesterol number. For example, if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL and your HDL is 50 mg/dL, your ratio would be 4:1.

Ideal Cholesterol Ratios:

• For men: Below 5:1, with the optimal ratio being closer to 3.5:1
• For women: Below 4.5:1, with the optimal ratio being closer to 3:1

Why are cholesterol ratios important? They provide a more nuanced view of your cardiovascular risk. Even if your total cholesterol is within a healthy range, a poor ratio could indicate an increased risk of heart disease.

Optimal Cholesterol Levels: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding what constitutes healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association provides guidelines for optimal cholesterol levels in adults:

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

Do cholesterol levels differ between men and women? Yes, they do. Women generally need higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men. For men, HDL levels of 40 mg/dL or higher are considered acceptable, while women should aim for 50 mg/dL or higher.

Cholesterol in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Childhood obesity and poor dietary habits have led to an increase in cholesterol problems among children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol screening for all children between the ages of 9 and 11, and again between 17 and 21.

Optimal Cholesterol Levels for Children:

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 170 mg/dL
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 110 mg/dL
• HDL Cholesterol: Greater than 45 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: Less than 75 mg/dL (ages 0-9) or less than 90 mg/dL (ages 10-19)

How can parents promote healthy cholesterol levels in children? Encouraging a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting processed foods, and promoting regular physical activity can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in children.

Factors Affecting Cholesterol Levels: Beyond Diet

While diet plays a significant role in cholesterol levels, it’s not the only factor. Several other elements can influence your cholesterol profile:

1. Genetics: Some people inherit genes that cause their bodies to produce more cholesterol.
2. Age and Gender: Cholesterol levels tend to rise as we age. Men generally have higher cholesterol levels than women until menopause.
3. Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase LDL and lower HDL levels.
4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help increase HDL levels.
5. Smoking: Tobacco use lowers HDL cholesterol.
6. Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism can affect cholesterol levels.

Can stress impact cholesterol levels? Yes, chronic stress can lead to behaviors that negatively affect cholesterol, such as overeating, smoking, or lack of exercise. Additionally, stress hormones may directly influence cholesterol production in the body.

Natural Ways to Improve Your Cholesterol Profile

While medications like statins can be effective in managing cholesterol, there are several natural strategies you can employ to improve your cholesterol profile:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can help lower LDL and increase HDL.
• Quit smoking: Stopping tobacco use can improve HDL levels within weeks.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Moderate alcohol intake may increase HDL, but excessive drinking can lead to high triglycerides.
• Increase soluble fiber intake: Foods like oats, beans, and fruits can help lower LDL.
• Consider omega-3 supplements: Fish oil or algae-based omega-3s may help improve cholesterol ratios.

How long does it take to see improvements in cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes? While individual results may vary, many people see significant improvements within 3-6 months of consistent lifestyle modifications.

The Role of Triglycerides in Heart Health

While much attention is given to HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides also play a crucial role in heart health. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy.

High levels of triglycerides, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association considers a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher as elevated.

Factors That Can Raise Triglyceride Levels:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High-carbohydrate diet
• Certain diseases (such as diabetes and kidney disease)
• Some medications
• Genetic factors

How can you lower your triglyceride levels? Many of the same lifestyle changes that help improve cholesterol levels also work for triglycerides. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates, and reducing alcohol intake.

Understanding Cholesterol Tests: What to Expect

Regular cholesterol testing is crucial for monitoring heart health. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults aged 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. However, more frequent testing may be necessary if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Types of Cholesterol Tests:

1. Lipid Panel: This comprehensive test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
2. Total Cholesterol Test: Measures overall cholesterol levels but doesn’t provide a breakdown.
3. HDL Cholesterol Test: Specifically measures the level of “good” cholesterol.
4. Non-HDL Cholesterol Test: Calculates the difference between total cholesterol and HDL.

Do you need to fast before a cholesterol test? While fasting was traditionally required, some healthcare providers now offer non-fasting lipid tests. However, for the most accurate results, especially for triglyceride levels, fasting for 9-12 hours before the test is often recommended.

Interpreting Your Test Results:

Understanding your cholesterol test results is key to managing your heart health. Here’s a quick guide:

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal
• HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher is considered protective against heart disease
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is normal

Remember, these numbers should be interpreted in the context of your overall health and other risk factors. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Cholesterol and Age: How Levels Change Over Time

Cholesterol levels naturally change as we age. Understanding these changes can help you better manage your heart health throughout your life.

Cholesterol Changes Throughout Life:

• Children: Cholesterol levels are generally lower but can be influenced by genetics and diet.
• Adolescents: Levels may fluctuate due to hormonal changes during puberty.
• Adults: Levels tend to rise with age, especially after 20.
• Older Adults: Women’s cholesterol levels often increase after menopause.

Why do cholesterol levels increase with age? As we get older, our liver becomes less efficient at removing LDL cholesterol from the blood. Additionally, our cells don’t break down LDL cholesterol as effectively.

Does this mean high cholesterol is inevitable as we age? Not necessarily. While age is a factor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your cholesterol levels regardless of your age.

Managing Cholesterol as You Age:

1. Regular Check-ups: Get your cholesterol checked regularly, especially after 40.
2. Stay Active: Regular physical activity becomes even more important as you age.
3. Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight management becomes more challenging but equally important with age.
5. Consider Medication: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend cholesterol-lowering medications.

By understanding how cholesterol levels change over time and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can maintain good heart health throughout your life. Remember, it’s never too late to start making heart-healthy choices.

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.