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. We also do not know precisely how cholesterol could contribute to heart disease. But there is a very plausible theory which 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 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 may determine how much cholesterol may stay on the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other influences like stress might constrict artery walls. This could cause a disruption in the flow of blood and pressure. When this occurs, 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 chain reaction in which the body effectively sabotages itself. Swelling flares up in the affected area causing White blood cells or macrophages to rush to the scene. The macrophages ingest the cholesterol and get engorged further blocking the arteries. These cells continue to call for even more reinforcements resulting in even more congestion for the blood circulation. The macrophages are created to kill off infectious microbes and then disappear are fighting Lipids which by their very nature are being constantly reproduced. A never ending battle rages. This leads to a steady and continuing state of inflammation in 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 inflamed wall section. This cap forms plaque which starts the state of atherosclerosis and 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 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 in terms of containing inflammatory cells. If the plaque deposit has a thin cap, it is more likely to rupture.
Ruptures are the common cause of heart attacks.
Should a plaque cap rupture, blood will seep into the artery wall. The typical 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 life threatening. This scab or clot inside an artery is called a thrombus. It could cut off blood circulation and oxygen to the heart muscle. The section of the heart that is deprived of oxygen rich blood starts to die. This is the way heart attacks occur. The medical term is a myocardial infarction.
What Leads To Rising Cholesterol In The Blood Vessels
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.
The Importance Of Knowing About Cholesterol Before Taking A High Cholesterol Therapy
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.
Knowing About Your Good And Bad 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.
Understanding A Reduced Cholesterol Dietary Regimen And How To Develop One
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.
Making Cholesterol Reducing Diet Programs Which Will Bestow You A Successful 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.