The Cholesterol Coronary Disease Connection

There isn't any clear scientifically proven explanation as to exactly how a diet high in saturated fat could be the cause of rising cholesterol in the blood. We also do not know precisely how cholesterol could contribute to heart problems. But there is a very plausible theory that has a large following in the scientific community.

The LDL connection

It starts with a high level of LDL cholesterol. Excess levels of LDL cholesterol usually cause some of the excess cholesterol to move towards 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 may adhere to the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure levels, diabetes, and also other influences like stress might constrict artery walls. This may cause a disruption in the blood circulation and pressure. When this happens, artery walls may weaken or become scarred in the first layer of the lining allowing LDL to further embed into the artery walls.

The role of swelling

This sets off a chain reaction in which 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 ingest the cholesterol and become engorged further blocking the arteries. These cells continue to call for even more reinforcements causing even more congestion for the blood circulation. The macrophages are created to kill off 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 stable and continuing state of inflammation inside the artery wall. At some point the overloaded macrophage is destroyed 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 which begins the state of atherosclerosis as well as the shrinking of the artery opening and resultant constriction in the blood flow. If this occur in an artery that leads to the heart, it can impede the blood circulation 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 likely to rupture.

Ruptures are the most common cause of cardiac arrest.

Should a plaque cap rupture, blood will seep into the artery wall. The normal wound response mechanism begins and clotting agents are transported 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 called a thrombus. It can block blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. The section of the heart which is deprived of oxygen rich blood starts to die. This is why heart attacks occur. The scientific term is a myocardial infarction.

Cholesterol Awareness. Discover Your Risks For 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.

The Importance Of Understanding Cholesterol Prior To Taking A High Cholesterol Medicine
Because too much cholesterol can damage the heart and the rest of the circulatory system, we are strongly urged to keep our cholesterol at the proper levels. When you have changed what you can, if your lipid and cholesterol numbers are still in an unhealthy range, you and your doctor may decide on using a cholesterol drug.

Unmasking The Culprits In High 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.

What You Must Understand Regarding 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.

Recognize The Food That Are High In Cholesterol So That You May Avert 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.

Understanding A Reduced Cholesterol Dietary Regimen And How To Design 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.

What To Consider About 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.