The Cholesterol Cardiovascular Disease Connection

There isn't any clear scientifically proven explanation as to precisely 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 contribute to heart problems. However, there is a very plausible theory which has a large following in the scientific community.

The LDL connection

It starts with an increased 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 blood and into the blood vessel walls. Rigidity of the artery walls might determine how much cholesterol might stay on the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure levels, diabetic issues, and also other influences such as stress may constrict artery walls. This may cause a disruption in the blood circulation as well as pressure. When this occurs, artery walls may weaken or become scarred in the first layer of the lining allowing LDL to even 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 area resulting in White blood cells or macrophages to rush to the scene. The macrophages absorb the cholesterol and get engorged further blocking the bloodstream. These cells continue to demand even more reinforcements resulting in far more congestion for the flow of blood. The macrophages are created to kill off infectious bacterias and then vanish are fighting Lipids which by their very nature are being constantly reproduced. A never ending battle rages. This leads to a stable and continuing state of swelling in the artery wall. Gradually the overloaded macrophage is killed and all the cholesterol and inflammatory substances are discharged into the artery wall.

At some point the body forms a cap of sorts over the swollen wall section. This cap forms plaque that starts the state of atherosclerosis as well as the shrinking of the artery opening and resultant constriction in the blood circulation. 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 loaded with inflammation and LDL. Immune cells, T-lymphocytes and macrophages, are the most severe when it comes to containing inflammatory cells. If the plaque deposit has a thin cap, it is more certain to rupture.

Ruptures are the common cause of cardiac arrest.

If 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 form a scab that inside an artery wall is deadly. This scab or clot inside an artery is termed as thrombus. It may block blood circulation and oxygen to the heart muscle. The section of the heart that is lacking oxygen rich blood begins to die. This is why heart attacks occur. The scientific term is known as a myocardial infarction.

Vital Things To Consider Regarding High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is something which does not cause many symptoms, which means that you could have it and not know about it. This is why it is so important to schedule any recommended checkups as suggested for your age or other risk factors.

Know The Food That Are High In Cholesterol So That You Can Evade 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.

Learning About The Importance Of Cholesterol
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.

Cholesterol Awareness. Discover Your Risks For Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol awareness has become a very popular topic over the past 10 years or so. It seems that once we reach age 40, we are all tracking our cholesterol numbers as close as we watch our waist lines. Unfortunately both seem to increase after 40.