The Cholesterol Heart Disease Connection

The Cholesterol Heart Disease Connection

There is no clear scientifically proven explanation as to exactly how a diet high in saturated fat can be the cause of rising cholesterol levels in the blood. We also do not know exactly how cholesterol could develop heart disease. But there is a very plausible theory that has a large following in the scientific community.

The LDL connection

It begins with a high level of LDL cholesterol. Excess levels of LDL cholesterol often result in some of the excess cholesterol to move to the artery walls. The more the LDL levels, the more cholesterol moves out of the bloodstream and into the blood vessel walls. Rigidity of the artery walls may determine how much cholesterol may adhere to the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other influences such as stress may constrict artery walls. This could result in a disruption in the flow of blood and pressure. When this happens, artery walls can weaken or become scarred in the first layer of the lining allowing LDL to further embed into the artery walls.

The role of inflammation

This sets off a sequence of events where the body effectively sabotages itself. Swelling flares up in the affected region causing White blood cells or macrophages to rush to the scene. The macrophages ingest the cholesterol and become engorged further blocking the blood vessels. These cells continue to call for even more reinforcements resulting in far more congestion for the flow of blood. The macrophages are created to destroy infectious microbes and then disappear are fighting Lipids which by their very nature are being continually reproduced. A never ending battle rages. This leads to a steady and continuing state of inflammation in the artery wall. Gradually the overloaded macrophage is killed and all the cholesterol and inflammatory substances are discharged into the artery wall.

Eventually the body forms a cap of sorts over the inflamed wall section. This cap forms plaque which begins the state of atherosclerosis and the shrinking of the artery opening and resultant constriction in the blood flow. Should this occur in an artery that leads to the heart, it may impede the flow of blood to the heart. This restriction however does not usually cause a cardiac arrest. Plaque deposits are full of inflammation and LDL. Immune cells, T-lymphocytes and macrophages, are the most severe in terms of containing inflammatory cells. If the plaque deposit has a thin cap, it is more likely to rupture.

Ruptures are the most common cause of heart attacks.

Should a plaque cap rupture, blood will seep into the artery wall. The typical wound response mechanism starts and clotting agents are sent to the region. Platelets enter the wound to create a scab that inside an artery wall is life threatening. This scab or clot inside an artery is called a thrombus. It can cut off blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. The section of the heart that is lacking oxygen rich blood begins to die. This is the way cardiac arrest occur. The medical term is a myocardial infarction.

The Cholesterol Heart Disease Connection
There is no clear scientifically proven explanation as to exactly how a diet high in saturated fat can be the cause of rising cholesterol in the blood.

Raising Awareness About Cholesterol Levels
The waxy substance in the human body known as cholesterol comes primarily in two basic forms, HDL and LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as the good cholesterol, while LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is the undesirable form of cholesterol.

Revealing The Culprits In Too Much Cholesterol
For most people, the cause of high cholesterol is poor lifestyle choices such as diet and our level of exercise, which can be modified. Both men and women can strive to attain and maintain a normal level of cholesterol, get their levels checked and take prompt action if needed.

Some Useful Facts Concerning Cholesterol
Cholesterol is technically known as lipids or fats . It resembles a waxy powder that looks like candle wax shavings. It is light yellow in color.

Know The Food-Stuffs Which Are High In Cholesterol So That You Can Avoid Them
Adding too much more cholesterol on a regular basis can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. By recognizing food high in cholesterol, you can limit your ingestion of it. Combined with regular exercise, this is the most effective way to fight high cholesterol.

You Should Prevent From High Cholesterol Food To Remain Healthy
The best way to get at that overabundance of cholesterol is, of course, to take a look at your high cholesterol food consumption and alter it to reduce the amount of that food in your diet.