What do we know about cholesterol? The information that most of us possess is that this substance is harmful to our health, contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack in adulthood. And therefore, it should be reduced by all means and avoid the use of foods that increase cholesterol. That's right, but this is only one side of the coin. Another is that cholesterol is vital for our body, but not all, but only "good." Therefore, general indicators to identify the danger of the development of certain diseases are not enough. For this reason, a coefficient such as the atherogenicity index is included in the mandatory biochemical analysis . It allows you to determine the relationship between “bad” and “good” cholesterol and gives a more complete picture of the patient’s health status in this matter.
An excursion into history, or what we know about cholesterol
This substance was discovered back in the XVIII century by French scientists. It was obtained from gallstones and possessed the properties of fat. It was then that he was given the name that we are actively using to this day - cholesterol. But a century later, researchers came to additional conclusions that this substance belongs to the class of alcohols. In this regard, the name was changed to "cholesterol", which, however, did not take root with us.
After another 100 years, in the 20th century, a real boom against cholesterol began in our country. He was recognized as hazardous to health and began to take all sorts of measures to combat harmful substances. But here, world medicine was stunned by new discoveries. It turns out that not all of it is so bad. Moreover, the “right” cholesterol is vital for our body. It is needed for normal digestion, is involved in the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D, as well as in the construction of membranes and the molecular structure of brain cells. The work of many systems and organs is disturbed not only with excess, but also with a lack of cholesterol. The main thing is to recognize which part of it prevails in the body. For this, the atherogenic index is used.
What is the atherogenic coefficient and how is it determined
This indicator is an important signal that there is a risk of developing vascular and heart diseases. Therefore, it is determined by doing a biochemical blood test. The atherogenicity index is calculated as the ratio of "bad" cholesterol to "good", based on which it is concluded that there are certain problems in the body. But how to understand which one is needed and which is harmful?
Bad and Good Cholesterol
The fact is that cholesterol is insoluble in water. Therefore, in order to move through our body, it combines in a complex with apoproteins - special proteins. Such compounds are called lipoproteins. Not all of them are the same. These complexes differ depending on the ratio of their constituent elements.
Thus, lipoproteins are secreted:
- high density (HDL);
- low density (LDL);
- very low density (VLDL).
There are also triglycerides that result from the combination of glycerol and fatty acids. They are the main energy sources of the body. As for lipoproteins, those that are high in density are those that are “good” . LDL is “bad” cholesterol that clogs arteries, forming plaques in them. So is his "twin" - VLDL, which transfers cholesterol to other organs and precipitates, clogging the vessels.
Calculation of the atherogenic coefficient
When the general indicator (OXC) is determined, then all the values add up, which gives an incomprehensible picture of the real situation. After all, even if the level of cholesterol is high, the ratio may be in favor of HDL, and vice versa. In order to understand, you need to determine the atherogenic index.
The formula for calculating it looks like this:
(OHS - HDL) / HDL.
It is usually important to know the exact values of all indicators, that is, the level of HDL, LDL, GC. They are measured in millimoles per liter - mmol / L.
Values of atherogenicity coefficient and other indicators of cholesterol level
What ideally should be the atherogenic index? The norm for a healthy person should not exceed 3-3.5. Values above 3.5-4 indicate an excess of "bad" cholesterol and a risk of developing atherosclerosis. The atherogenic index below normal (less than 3) does not have clinical significance.
Along with IA, you need to know other indicators. So, the following are considered normal:
- OXS - 3.8 - 5.02 mmol / l;
- HDL - 1-1.2 mmol / l;
- LDL - a maximum of 3 mmol / l;
- triglycerides - 1.77 mmol / l.
If the atherogenicity index is increased, this indicates an increase in the level of "bad" cholesterol. LDL deposits fat on the walls of the blood arteries, from which plaques form over time. Gradually, they can completely block the lumen in the vessels and block the movement of blood. Nutrients and oxygen will no longer enter the tissue, which contributes to the occurrence of ischemia in them. In the brain, this situation will lead to cerebral stroke, in the heart - to myocardial infarction. There are less serious, but still negative consequences of an increase in LDL - a depressed state, a decrease in immunity and the development of infectious diseases. If as a result of analyzes it was found that the atherogenicity index is increased, what should I do? Is it possible to somehow lower its level without resorting to medical treatment? If the increase is insignificant, then you can change the situation on your own. We will talk further about how to do this.
High rates of IA: treatment
First of all, it should be said about what contributes to the increase of "bad" cholesterol. These are mainly bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles:
- smoking and alcohol abuse;
- lack of physical activity;
- the predominance of animal fats, fast food in the diet;
- overweight.
In this case, everything depends entirely on us. Gradually abandoning bad habits and getting rid of extra pounds, you can already count on a multiple improvement in health and IA indicators. Affects the increase in this ratio and age. So, in men after 45, and in women after 55, the level of "bad" cholesterol tends to increase. An insignificant role can also be played by heredity. However, if you lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise daily, then these secondary factors will not have such a strong effect.
If the atherogenic index is increased, treatment should include a set of measures:
- a diet with a predominance of plant foods and a reduction in animal fats;
- restriction of salt intake;
- moderate physical activity (dancing, yoga, daily walking);
- refusal of alcohol and tobacco;
- reduction of stress and overwork (both physical and emotional);
- taking dietary supplements that regulate lipid metabolism and reduce the absorption of dietary fat;
- in some cases, you will need an additional dose of drugs - statins (to lower cholesterol), but you need to take them only on the recommendation of your doctor.
There is also a list of foods recommended for use with high cholesterol, and those that should be excluded from the diet.
What you can and cannot eat with high IA
So, if the atherogenicity index is increased, you need to abandon:
- premium bread and various pastry;
- soups on meat broth;
- fatty dairy and dairy products;
- fatty meat, sausages, offal, caviar;
- margarine and butter;
- mayonnaise and sour cream sauces;
- chips and fried potatoes, ice cream, milk chocolate.
In this case, the diet should be enriched with products that contribute to the normalization of cholesterol. This is, first of all:
- vegetables and fruits, vegetable soups;
- sea fish and seafood;
- lean beef, turkey and chicken;
- low-fat dairy products;
- sunflower, olive oil;
- marmalade, candied fruit, fruit sorbet;
- grain bread;
- soy sauce.
A qualitative change in diet will not only reduce the content of "bad" and increase the level of "good" cholesterol, but also reduce body weight (if necessary). Such a diet will contribute to physical activity, energy, good mood and increase immunity. The risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced.
Juice therapy as a way to reduce IA
Also, therapy with freshly squeezed juices can normalize cholesterol levels. It should be carried out no more than once a month for 5 days. It consists in the fact that every day you need to drink half a glass of carrot juice, each time combining it with one of the following (optional):
- a quarter cup of beetroot juice and as much cucumber;
- a third of a glass of celery juice;
- a quarter cup of apple juice and as much celery;
- a fifth of a glass of cabbage juice;
- a glass of orange juice.
Such therapy will help lower cholesterol to a normal level while observing the other recommendations listed above. In order to control the atherogenic coefficient, an appropriate analysis should be carried out at least once every one to two years.
How to prepare for the analysis to determine the level of IA?
For research purposes, a patient takes blood from a vein. In order for the results not to be distorted, you should correctly prepare for the analysis. You need to start observing a number of rules a couple of weeks before going to the clinic:
- Do not violate the usual regimen and nature of nutrition - at least 1-2 weeks before analysis;
- refrain from drinking alcohol per day;
- stop eating for 12 hours (drinking water is allowed);
- half an hour before the start of the study to exclude any kind of emotional and physical strain;
- 30 minutes before analysis do not smoke;
- five minutes before the blood test take a sitting position.
Compliance with these measures will help to avoid deviations in the results and obtain more accurate values of total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, as well as to find the atherogenic index.
Overestimation and understatement of IA indicators
What can affect the distortion of the obtained indicators? Factors such as increase the cholesterol coefficient:
- analysis in standing position;
- smoking before research;
- prolonged fasting;
- eating a lot of animal fats a few days before the analysis;
- androgens and anabolic steroids;
- pregnancy.
At the same time, the atherogenic index is low (i.e., underestimated) can be obtained in the following cases:
- analysis in lying position;
- excessive physical activity shortly before the start of the study;
- a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in cholesterol;
- reception before passing the analysis of antifungal drugs, estrogens, erythromycin, etc.
It is also not recommended to take an analysis to determine the cholesterol coefficient after recently suffered serious illnesses. So, after a surgical operation or a heart attack, at least six weeks should pass, after which a lipid profile can be performed.
Conclusion
Now you know that not all cholesterol is harmful to the body, but some is even vital. The ratio between them is determined by biochemical analysis and the calculation of a special cholesterol coefficient. We examined what its normal values are, low and high, what factors affect both. You learned from the article when the atherogenic index is increased, what to do in this case, what independent measures to take. In addition, we talked about how to properly prepare for the analysis in order to prevent distortion in the results. We hope you find this information useful. Watch your cholesterol and take the necessary measures in time.