Atherosclerosis

The Omega-3 Index measures the percentage of EPA and DHA (the two most important omega-3 fatty acids) in red blood cell membranes. It reflects your long-term omega-3 status over the past 3–4 months and is considered one of the most reliable markers of cardiovascular risk related to fatty acid balance. An index above 8% is associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk.

The ratio of free thyroxine (fT4) to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) provides additional insight into thyroid function by evaluating how the pituitary gland responds to circulating thyroid hormone levels. It can reveal subtle thyroid dysfunction that individual fT4 or TSH values alone may not capture.

AA is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that serves as a precursor to numerous pro-inflammatory and vasoactive mediators.

This sum measures total omega-6 fatty acids including linoleic acid, GLA, DGLA, and arachidonic acid.

This sum represents all major omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA) in the blood.

This ratio compares total omega-6 to total omega-3 fatty acids, reflecting the overall balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators.

Linoleic acid is the primary dietary omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It is a precursor for arachidonic acid and other signaling lipids.

EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid mainly found in fatty fish. It helps regulate inflammation and supports heart and blood vessel health.

DPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid formed as an intermediate between EPA and DHA. It contributes to anti-inflammatory and endothelial-protective effects.

DHA is a structural omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain, eye, and nerve function. It is abundant in neuronal membranes and supports cell signaling.

DGLA is a key omega-6 fatty acid formed from GLA. It produces anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and acts as a metabolic balance point between GLA and arachidonic acid.

Alpha-linolenic acid is a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, chia, and walnuts. It serves as a metabolic precursor for longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.

This ratio compares arachidonic acid (pro-inflammatory omega-6) to eicosapentaenoic acid (anti-inflammatory omega-3).

The TyG index combines fasting triglycerides and glucose to estimate insulin resistance.

Fat stored around internal organs within the abdominal cavity. VAT is metabolically active and produces inflammatory cytokines and hormones that affect insulin sensitivity and metabolism. Excessive VAT is strongly linked to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

The ratio of visceral adipose tissue to subcutaneous adipose tissue. This measure helps evaluate fat distribution patterns, with higher ratios indicating relatively more visceral fat, which is associated with greater metabolic risk than subcutaneous fat.

The sum of all adipose tissue in the abdominal region, including both visceral and subcutaneous compartments. This measurement provides an overall assessment of abdominal adiposity.

A normalized measure of all abdominal fat (both visceral and subcutaneous) adjusted for height. It's calculated by dividing total abdominal fat volume by the square of height, allowing for standardized comparison between individuals of different body sizes.

The proportion of abdominal fat relative to total body fat. This measurement helps assess fat distribution patterns, which can be more clinically relevant than total fat alone. Higher abdominal fat ratios are associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular risks.

NLR reflects the balance between neutrophils which drive early inflammation and lymphocytes which regulate immune control.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a blood marker used to detect low levels of inflammation in the body. It is a more precise version of standard CRP testing and is especially useful for assessing cardiovascular risk, as even mild inflammation can contribute to heart disease.

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): An enzyme particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption and certain medications. Elevated GGT can indicate bile duct issues, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver damage.

SCORE2 estimates your 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke based on blood pressure, cholesterol, age, and other factors.

This ratio evaluates overall cholesterol relative to protective HDL cholesterol. It is a commonly used measure of lipid-related cardiovascular risk.