Atherogenic risk in 44,939 Spanish healthcare workers: Associated variables.

Abstract

The article evaluates the atherogenic risk in 44,939 Spanish healthcare professionals by identifying the variables associated with this risk. It explains atherogenesis as the key pathological process in the development of cardiovascular diseases, characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques resulting from atherogenic dyslipidemia. To quantify this risk, lipid indices (total cholesterol/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, and triglycerides/HDL-c ratios) were analyzed and related to factors such as age, sex, professional category, smoking, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The results indicate that increasing age, male sex, smoking, and the lack of physical activity or adherence to a healthy diet are associated with higher atherogenic risk values. Furthermore, the study discusses its strengths (such as the large sample size and rigorous methodological design) and limitations, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive interventions and public health policies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.