Clinical Report: Association of Plasma Atherogenic Index with Aortic Valve Calcification

Overview

This study investigates the correlation between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the risk of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in a general population. Findings indicate that higher AIP levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of AVC, highlighting AIP's potential as a biomarker for AVC risk assessment.

Background

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a prevalent condition that contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults. Understanding risk factors for AVC is crucial for early identification and management, especially as the population ages. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has emerged as a significant marker of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk, warranting exploration of its relationship with AVC.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Each 1-unit increase in AIP correlates with a 146.0% higher risk of AVC.
• Participants in the highest AIP quartile (Q4) have a 2.319-fold increased risk of AVC compared to the lowest quartile (Q1).
• AIP demonstrated moderate diagnostic value for AVC risk with an AUC of 0.760.
• Subgroup analyses confirmed the association of higher AIP levels with increased AVC risk across most demographics.
• Excluding participants with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² did not alter the significant association between AIP and AVC.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that AIP could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing the risk of aortic valve calcification in clinical practice. Monitoring AIP levels may help identify individuals at higher risk for AVC, allowing for targeted preventive strategies.

Conclusion

Higher AIP levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of aortic valve calcification, underscoring the importance of AIP as a potential biomarker in cardiovascular risk assessment.

Related Resources & Content

1. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023 -- Frequency and Key Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated with Aortic Valve Calcification in Middle-Aged Adults from the General Population
2. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2024 -- The role of lipoprotein(a) in the calcification of aortic valves among patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement
3. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023 -- Identifying Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Aortic Valve Stenosis: Developing 10-Year Absolute Risk Models for Primary Prevention
4. 2025 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic
5. A Randomized Trial of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Calcific Aortic Stenosis | New England Journal of Medicine
6. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — The association between time-weighted cumulative life's essential 8 and aortic valve calcification
7. 2025 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic
8. A Randomized Trial of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Calcific Aortic Stenosis | New England Journal of Medicine
9. Frontiers | Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and abdominal aortic calcification: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014