Аtherogenic index

The Atherogenic Index (AI) is a quantitative indicator used to assess atherosclerosis risk. With atherosclerosis, cholesterol and other substances are deposited on arterial walls, narrowing vessel lumen and disrupting blood flow.

Calculation Formula is as following:

AI = (Total cholesterol - HDL) / LDL

To fully assess the risk, other factors shall be taken into account, such as

• Genetic disposition;
• Mode of life:

-improper nutrition (high intake of trans fats, saturated fats), smoking, stress can lead to increased AI

-regular physical activity increases HDL levels and reduces LDL ones, which leads to a decrease in AI).

Other factors:

• Age (AI usually increases with age).
• Sex (in men, AI is usually higher than in women).
• Co-morbidity (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid diseases and other ones can increase AI).