Comparative study of calculated lipid indices viz atherogenic index of plasma, atherogenic coefficient and lipid accumulation product over conventional lipid profile parameters as better predictors of atherosclerosis in obesity: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Rising prevalence of obesity represents rapidly growing threat for Indian subcontinent. Dyslipidemia in obesity accelerates the process of atherogenesis; though its occurrence can't be underestimated in apparently normal individual lipids. This warrants need of precise measures to predict dyslipidemia beyond routine lipid parameters. Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Atherogenic Coefficient & Lipid Accumulation Product have gained attention in this regard. Aims and Objectives: This cross sectional study aimed at assessing usefulness of calculated lipid indices over individual lipids as potential predictors of atherosclerosis in obesity. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 100 apparently healthy overweight & obese cases and 100 healthy controls. Fasting blood sample was collected for lipid profile parameters. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software. Results: The levels of TC(211.4+ 36.2/173.9+21.4), TAG (162.9+41.5/124.6+26.3), AIP (0.23+0.11/0.08+0.03), AC (4.3+1.4/2.7+1.1) & LAP (31.3+8.6/24.3+6.2) were elevated while HDL (41.7+9.2/ 52.2+8.3) levels were founder to be low in cases compared to controls (p<0>Cases having raised AIP and LAP outnumbered than those with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Calculated lipid indices proved to be better than conventional lipid parameters as simple, sensitive & independent tools to screen high risk individuals for atherogenesis in obesity especially in Indian scenario with limited resources.