Atherogenic Index of Plasma and its Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Adult Patients Attending a Primary Care Clinic in South West Nigeria

Background: Cardiovascular diseases have remained major causes of death globally. Early identification of individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease and appropriate intervention is needed in order to reduce the disease burden. The Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) defined as logarithm of triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is emerging as a strong marker in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the relationship between AIP and cardiovascular risk factors among adults a ending a primary care clinic in South West Nigeria. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study among 286 respondents who were recruited by systematic random sampling over a period of three month. Venous blood samples were collected for lipid profiles and plasma glucose estimations, respondents blood pressure, anthropometric parameters and AIP were also measured. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The age of the respondents ranged between 19 to 85 years with a mean age of 48.6 ± 15.8 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.5. According to the AIP category: 68.5%, 12.4% and 19.1% respectively had low, moderate and high-risk AIP for cardiovascular disease. AIP was significantly associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol intake, obesity and dyslipidaemia. Diabetes mellitus, Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference and smoking emerged as independent predictors of higher risk AIP. (OR= 4.28, CI: 1.56 – 11.73; P< 0.05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant relationship between high-risk AIP and several cardiovascular risk factors. The use of AIP in stratifying cardiovascular risk is recommended.