Atherogenic Index

A simple score from triglycerides and HDL that hints at how plaque‑forming your blood fats may be.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Calculated

sample type

Not applicable (calculated)

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Same as its component tests

best timing

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On this page

Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a calculated value, not a separate blood test. It is the base-10 logarithm of triglycerides divided by HDL cholesterol, with both in mmol/L. It reflects the balance of triglyceride-rich and protective lipoproteins, and indirectly the size of LDL particles.

Heart & Cholesterol

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

A higher AIP suggests more small, dense, harmful LDL particles and a more atherogenic lipid profile. It has been studied as a predictor of cardiovascular risk and is often more informative than triglycerides or HDL alone. It is a research-derived index used alongside the standard lipid panel.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Adult reference values as used by Aniva. Ranges are guidance and can vary by laboratory and method.

Group	Normal range	Optimal range
Adults	-0.1 to 0.21	Below 0.1

Sources: Atherogenic Index of Plasma: low <0.11, intermediate 0.11–0.21, high >0.21

Your Aniva report reads your result against these values together with your age, sex and the rest of your panel.

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

A combined measure of triglyceride and HDL balance.
An indirect signal of small dense LDL and atherogenic risk.
Extra cardiovascular context beyond single lipid values.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Triglycerides change with recent meals, alcohol, and illness, so a non-fasting sample can raise AIP. Pregnancy and some medicines also shift the components. The index must use mmol/L, since using mg/dL gives a different number.

Best interpreted with

Best read with its components, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, plus LDL, ApoB, and overall cardiovascular risk.

How is this tested?

Sample

Calculated

Blood needed

Not applicable (calculated)

Method

Calculated ratio

Best timing

Same as its component tests

Sources. The evidence behind this

AIP and TG/HDL predict mortality risk (Mayo Clinic Proceedings)
Meta-analysis: AIP and cardiovascular outcomes in coronary artery disease

Common questions

What does my result mean? Higher values suggest a more plaque‑promoting lipid pattern; lower values suggest the opposite. Always view it with your full cholesterol profile.

Do I need to fast? Fasting is not required for this index. Your clinician may ask for a fasting repeat if triglycerides are very high.

What can affect the result? Recent alcohol, big fatty meals, illness, intense exercise, and many medicines can shift triglycerides and HDL.

How often should I test it? Many people recheck with routine lipid panels, often every 3 to 12 months, or after changing lifestyle or medications.

How quickly will I get results? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.

What should I discuss with my clinician? Review LDL or ApoB targets, overall heart risk, and steps to improve triglycerides and HDL if needed.

Which Aniva panels include this marker?

Core

Your annual full-body baseline with more than 100 biomarkers, included in your Aniva membership.