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Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) Calculator

Calculate the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). A logarithmic ratio of Triglycerides to HDL that predicts cardiovascular risk and LDL particle size.

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About

Standard cholesterol panels often miss hidden cardiovascular risks. A patient may have "normal" LDL levels but still suffer from atherosclerosis if that LDL consists of small, dense particles (sdLDL) rather than large, buoyant ones. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) is a mathematically derived marker that strongly correlates with this particle size.

By calculating the logarithmic molar ratio of Triglycerides to HDL, AIP reveals the balance between atherogenic (clogging) and protective lipids. Positive values increasingly indicate a shift toward the dangerous sdLDL phenotype.

cardiology lipid profile triglycerides HDL heart disease risk

Formulas

The formula requires Molar units (mmol/L). If data is in mg/dL, it must be converted first (TG / 88.5, HDL / 38.6).

AIP = log10TG (mmol/L)HDL (mmol/L)

Reference Data

AIP ValueRisk CategoryLipid Profile Characteristics
< 0.11Low RiskPredominance of large, buoyant LDL particles.
0.11 - 0.21Intermediate RiskBalanced particle distribution.
> 0.21High RiskPredominance of small, dense LDL (sdLDL).

Frequently Asked Questions

LDL cholesterol measures the total mass of cholesterol within LDL particles, not the number or size of the particles themselves. Small, dense particles are more prone to penetrating arterial walls and oxidizing. AIP serves as a proven proxy for this particle size.
Yes. This is common in metabolic syndrome. High Triglycerides and low HDL often occur together, driving up the AIP score even if total cholesterol or LDL mass appears within normal ranges.
Since AIP is driven by the Triglyceride/HDL ratio, interventions that lower Triglycerides (reducing sugar/alcohol intake, losing weight) and raise HDL (exercise, healthy fats) are most effective at lowering the score.