Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Its Relationship with Blood Pressure Control among Adults in Irrua, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), calculated as log10 [triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], is a sensitive marker of atherogenic dyslipideamia, small dense low-density lipoprotein particle size, and residual cardiovascular risk beyond individual lipid parameters. Its role in hypertensive patients in Irrua remains underexplored.

Objective: To determine the distribution of AIP and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) control among hypertensive patients in Irrua, Southern Nigeria.

Method: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study of 300 adult hypertensive patients (299 with complete lipid data for AIP calculation) attending the Cardiology clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria. Fasting lipid profile was measured and AIP calculated as log10 (TG/HDL-C). AIP was categorized as low-risk (<0.11), intermediate-risk (0.11-0.21), high-risk (>0.21). BP control was defined as <140/90 mmHg in accordance with the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension guidelines.

Results: The mean AIP was -0.04 + 0.26. A low-risk AIP was found in 75.3% of the patients, intermediate risk in 15.1% and high risk in 9.7%. Blood pressure control was poor and not significantly associated with AIP category.

Conclusion: AIP was low in most hypertensives in Irrua, and was not a strong discriminator of BP control. Routine lipid screening remains important, but AIP alone should not guide BP management.

Keywords: Atherogenic Index of Plasma; Blood Pressure Control; Hypertension; Dyslipideamia; Irrua; Nigeria