The Cholesterol Heart Disease Connection

There is no 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 precisely how cholesterol can develop heart problems. But there is a very plausible theory that has a large following in the scientific community.

The LDL connection

It begins with an increased level of LDL cholesterol. Excess levels of LDL cholesterol often result in some of the excess cholesterol to move towards the artery walls. The higher the LDL levels, the more cholesterol moves out of the bloodstream and into the blood vessel walls. Rigidity of the artery walls might determine how much cholesterol may adhere to the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetic issues, and also other influences such as stress might constrict artery walls. This can result in a disruption in the blood circulation and pressure. When this happens, artery walls can 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 in which the body effectively sabotages itself. Inflammation flares up in the affected region resulting in 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 demand even more reinforcements resulting in far more congestion for the blood circulation. The macrophages are designed to destroy infectious bacterias 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 swelling in the artery wall. Gradually the overloaded macrophage is destroyed and all the cholesterol and inflammatory substances are released into the artery wall.

Eventually the body forms a cap of sorts over the swollen wall section. This cap forms plaque which begins the state of atherosclerosis and the shrinking of the artery opening and resultant constriction in the flow of blood. Should this occur in an artery that leads to the heart, it may impede the blood circulation to the heart. This restriction however does not usually cause a heart attack. Plaque deposits are full of 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 likely to rupture.

Ruptures are the most common cause of heart attacks.

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

Defining A Low/Modified Cholesterol Dietary Regimen And Ways To Create One For Yourself
The best low cholesterol diet, and there are many good ones to choose from, is the one you can stick to. In order to have a cholesterol lowering diet, you will need to watch the amount and types of fats you eat as well.

Different Ways To Control And Reduce Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels
Bad cholesterol, which is also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is a bad element because the molecules cannot dissolve in the blood and these have a tendency to cling to artery walls potentially provoking a heart attack or causing other heart related diseases.

What Are The Causes Of Excessive 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.

Risk Factors For Acquiring Heart Problems
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.

Preparing Cholesterol Reducing Diet Plans Which Will Provide You A Positive Result
If you have recently found out that you have high cholesterol, then one of the first steps that you need to take is to make cholesterol lowering diet plans; plans; this means creating a cholesterol lowering diet that works well for you.

What You Should Understand Relating To High 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.