Prevalence and factors associated with an elevated atherogenic index in a university population: A systematic review

Introduction: The atherogenic index is a useful marker for predicting cardiovascular risk, calculated from lipid profile fractions. In the university population, its study is relevant due to the high frequency of risk behaviors during this stage of life.
Objective: To synthesize the available evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with an elevated atherogenic index in university students.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 statement. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases were consulted up to September 2025. Observational articles reporting the prevalence or factors associated with an elevated atherogenic index in the university population were included.
Results: The most frequent associated factors were: overweight/obesity, a high-calorie diet, sedentary lifestyle, male sex, and a family history of dyslipidemia.
Conclusions: The systematic review demonstrates that the Atherogenic Index, especially the Atherogenic Index of Plasma, is a sensitive and useful biomarker for the early detection of cardiometabolic risk in university students.