Showing posts with label CHD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CHD. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

LDL (Low density lipoprotein) and heart disease

Studies have shown that higher levels of type-B LDL particles (as opposed to type-A LDL particles) are associated with health problems, including cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol is transported on LDL or HDL (high density lipoprotein); triglycerides are primarily carried on very low density lipoprotein (VLDL).

LDL are larger lighter and richer in cholesterol while HDL are smaller, denser and packaged with more protein.

This protein contains a high percentage of cholesterol relative to protein and when LDL levels in the blood are high cells lining the inside the arteries transport LDL and its cholesterol load into the artery wall.

Both LDL and HDL carry cholesterol but elevated LDL concentrations in blood are a sign of high risk of heart attack, whereas elevated HDL concentrations are usually associated with a low risk.

If the person has high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or triglycerides or decreased levels of HDL, he has an elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

It is known that low density lipoprotein (LDL) can be deposited in the artery wall and setting stage for atherosclerosis. Total cholesterol levels should be kept below 200 mg/dL to reduce the risk of CHD.
LDL (Low density lipoprotein) and heart disease
Red meat

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Atherosclerosis

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is caused by atherosclerosis, a slow, progressive, hardening and narrowing of the artery by deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances followed by scarring and deposits of calcium or calcification.

It is common cause of cardiovascular disease in the United States. The substance block and narrow the coronary vessels in a way that reduces blood flow to the myocardium.

When serious, atherosclerosis may result in angina pectoris or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Gross anatomy identifies arthrosclerosis as a focal thickening of the wall of medium-sized and large arteries. In its advanced stages, it consists of a central core of yellowish toothpaste-like gruel surrounded by a leathery capsule - the fibrous cap.

Atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries leading to the brain can cause a stroke. Atherosclerosis, is one type of arteriosclerosis, which literally means ‘hardening the arteries’.

Arteriosclerosis is category of disease that involves hardening of the arteries. Arterio indicates arteries; sclerosis indicates a loss of elasticity or flexibility.

Atherosclerosis involves a repetition inflammatory response to injury of the artery wall and subsequent alteration in the structural and biochemical properties of the arterial walls. It is thought to began as fatty streaks of lipids that deposited in the intima of the arterial wall.

Many outcomes of atherosclerosis are quite bad. Atherosclerosis contributes to one half of deaths in North America and is number one killer worldwide.

It is commoner in older age groups, but in those with diabetes disorders of fat metabolism and high blood pressure, its appearance may be earlier.
Atherosclerosis

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