Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP)
Heart healthA logarithmic ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol [log₁₀(TG/HDL-C)] that reflects the balance between atherogenic and protective lipoproteins.
The logarithmic transformation converts the TG/HDL ratio into a scale that correlates directly with LDL particle size and the proportion of small, dense LDL particles. AIP integrates information about all lipoprotein fractions into a single value that indicates overall atherogenic potential.
Reference range
Source: Ahead Health benchmark
Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.
Why this matters
AIP is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk, often superior to traditional cholesterol measurements. It identifies high-risk individuals who may have "normal" LDL cholesterol but dangerous particle characteristics. Elevated AIP indicates a predominance of small, dense LDL particles that penetrate arterial walls more easily, remain in circulation longer, and are more susceptible to oxidation. The index strongly correlates with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and coronary artery disease risk.
Unlike simple cholesterol ratios, AIP's logarithmic scale provides enhanced sensitivity for detecting atherogenic profiles, making it particularly valuable for identifying hidden cardiovascular risk in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and seemingly healthy individuals with normal standard lipid panels.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- AIP elevation with rising uric acid indicates shared metabolic dysfunction before diabetes appears.
- High AIP with elevated ferritin suggests insulin resistance driving both iron accumulation and lipid dysfunction.
- AIP worsening with declining SHBG reveals hormonal component to the metabolic dysfunction.
Included in
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