Atherogenic coefficient: reference ranges

In shortThe atherogenic coefficient is calculated as (total cholesterol − HDL) / HDL and shows how many times the atherogenic fraction exceeds the protective one. A reference guide is 2.0–3.5. Decisions are based on the absolute lipid values, not on the index alone.

Reference ranges

Group	Reference range
Reference guide — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)	2.0–3.5 (dimensionless)

The 2.0–3.5 guide appears in laboratory reference materials (not a national standard). Clinical decisions rely on absolute LDL and overall risk, not on the ratio.

Check your value

Enter your result — we will show how it compares with a typical range. Match the units of the selected row.

Approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory and method — check your report; result interpretation is done by a doctor.

What this marker is

The index condenses the lipid panel into one ratio. It rises both when LDL-type cholesterol climbs and when protective HDL falls — two situations with different management.

It is a derived measure: a high value with low total cholesterol still requires attention to the LDL level, and interpretation always returns to the full lipid panel.

When it is high

Predominance of atherogenic lipidsA value above 3.5 signals imbalance toward LDL/VLDL — common in hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism.

Low HDLThe ratio also rises with low protective cholesterol even without a large LDL increase.

When it is low

Favorable lipid profileA low value reflects balanced lipid metabolism.

What can skew the result

These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:

All factors affecting the lipid panelRecent food before the test

How to prepare

As for the lipid panel: fasting 8–12 hours. Calculated automatically from total cholesterol and HDL.

When a retest makes sense

Together with the lipid panel — 2–3 months after a change in therapy or lifestyle.

Who usually reviews this result

A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a cardiologist for risk management. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.

Names used on lab reports

Your report may use any of these names:
Atherogenic coefficientAtherogenic indexCardiac risk ratio

Units

Measured in: dimensionless

Several markers on your report?

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Frequently asked questions

How is it calculated?

(Total cholesterol − HDL) / HDL. For example, with total cholesterol 6.0 and HDL 1.5: (6.0 − 1.5) / 1.5 = 3.0.

High ratio with normal LDL — what now?

Look at what drives it — usually low HDL. The provider interprets the whole risk picture.

Why is it absent from many reports?

International guidelines rely on absolute LDL and non-HDL cholesterol; the ratio is a traditional derived index.

Sources

Коэффициент атерогенности (описание и ориентиры) — Aqualab (лабораторный справочник). Accessed: August 31, 2026.

Atherogenic coefficient