Cardiovascular Disease & Hypercholesteremia By Grant Blackmon, Peichi Hai, Jessica Ruiz, April Stahl

Cardiovascular Disease Some form of disease of the heart and blood vessels Some form of disease of the heart and blood vessels In developed counties, accounts for more deaths than any other disease In developed counties, accounts for more deaths than any other disease Heart attack, stroke, aneurysm Heart attack, stroke, aneurysm Risk factors Risk factors Age, gender, family history Age, gender, family history High LDL, Low HDL cholesterol High LDL, Low HDL cholesterol Hypertension Hypertension Diabetes Diabetes Diet and physical activity level Diet and physical activity level Smoking Smoking

Hypercholesteremia (aka High LDL cholesterol) Low density lipoprotein cholesterol Low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL carry cholesterol to cells where it can build up as plaque in the arteries LDL carry cholesterol to cells where it can build up as plaque in the arteries The higher the LDL the greater the risk of developing atherosclerosis The higher the LDL the greater the risk of developing atherosclerosis  HDL is different from LDL, it is the “Healthy cholesterol” and LDL is the “Less healthy cholesterol”  The higher the HDL and the lower the LDL, the lower the risk is for CVD and hypercholesteremia

Atherosclerosis Hardening of the arteries Hardening of the arteries Accumulation of soft, fatty, streaks in the inner walls of the arteries (especially at branch points) Accumulation of soft, fatty, streaks in the inner walls of the arteries (especially at branch points) Becomes plaque-hard fibrous and can damage artery walls making them hard and narrow Becomes plaque-hard fibrous and can damage artery walls making them hard and narrow Most people have well developed plaque by age of 30 Most people have well developed plaque by age of 30 Caused by diet high in saturated fat Caused by diet high in saturated fat Aggravated by: Aggravated by: High LDL High LDL Hypertension Hypertension Cigarette smoking Cigarette smoking Viral and bacterial infections Viral and bacterial infections

Effects of Atherosclerosis

Dietary Recommendations to help prevent CVD Lower intakes of saturated fats and trans-fats Lower intakes of saturated fats and trans-fats Increase unsaturated fat intake Increase unsaturated fat intake American Heart Association recommends 2 meals of fish per week American Heart Association recommends 2 meals of fish per week Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables Increase complex carbohydrates Increase complex carbohydrates Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol and bile in the intestines Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol and bile in the intestines Soy products and plant sterols might decrease CVD Soy products and plant sterols might decrease CVD Maintain healthy weight Maintain healthy weight Limit alcohol Limit alcohol Avoid tobacco Avoid tobacco