Abstract
BACKGROUND: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) reflects lipid imbalances associated with early atherosclerosis, which is relevant to slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCFP). So in the present study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between AIP and slow coronary flow phenomenon. METHODS: In total, 1525 patients received coronary angiography for chest pain and found no obvious obstructive stenosis were consecutively enrolled in this study. Out of whom, 91 patients were diagnosed with SCFP. We selected 182 age and sex-matched patients with normal coronary arteries and normal blood flow as the controls. The clinical parameters were compared, and the association between AIP and SCFP was explored. RESULTS: Patients with SCFP had a higher level of uric acid, triglyceride (TG), AIP, while a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the AIP and uric acid levels were independent predictors of SCFP. When the AIP was ≥0.205, the specificity and sensitivity were 0.648 and 0.678, respectively (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.740; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.684-0.797, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AIP is an independent predictor of SCFP in patients with chest pain and angiography proven normal coronary arteries. AIP could offer a non-invasive, accessible tool for early SCFP detection, therefore improving patient outcomes.