Cardiovascular Disease & Cardiovascular Disease & HypercholesteremiaHypercholesteremia

By Grant Blackmon, Peichi By Grant Blackmon, Peichi Hai, Jessica Ruiz, April StahlHai, Jessica Ruiz, April Stahl

Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular Disease

Some form of disease of the heart and blood Some form of disease of the heart and blood vesselsvessels

In developed counties, accounts for more deaths In developed counties, accounts for more deaths than any other disease than any other disease

Heart attack, stroke, aneurysmHeart attack, stroke, aneurysm Risk factorsRisk factors

Age, gender, family historyAge, gender, family history High LDL, Low HDL cholesterolHigh LDL, Low HDL cholesterol HypertensionHypertension DiabetesDiabetes Diet and physical activity levelDiet and physical activity level SmokingSmoking

Hypercholesteremia (aka High Hypercholesteremia (aka High LDL cholesterol)LDL cholesterol)

Low density lipoprotein cholesterolLow density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL carry cholesterol to cells where it can LDL carry cholesterol to cells where it can

build up as plaque in the arteriesbuild up as plaque in the arteries The higher the LDL the greater the risk of The higher the LDL the greater the risk of

developing atherosclerosisdeveloping atherosclerosis HDL is different from LDL, it is the “HDL is different from LDL, it is the “HHealthy ealthy

cholesterol” and LDL is the “cholesterol” and LDL is the “LLess healthy ess healthy cholesterol”cholesterol”

The higher the HDL and the lower the LDL, The higher the HDL and the lower the LDL, the lower the risk is for CVD and the lower the risk is for CVD and hypercholesteremiahypercholesteremia

AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis

Hardening of the arteriesHardening of the arteries Accumulation of soft, fatty, streaks in the inner walls of Accumulation of soft, fatty, streaks in the inner walls of

the arteries (especially at branch points)the arteries (especially at branch points) Becomes plaque-hard fibrous and can damage artery Becomes plaque-hard fibrous and can damage artery

walls making them hard and narrowwalls making them hard and narrow Most people have well developed plaque by age of 30Most people have well developed plaque by age of 30 Caused by diet high in saturated fatCaused by diet high in saturated fat Aggravated by:Aggravated by:

High LDLHigh LDL HypertensionHypertension Cigarette smokingCigarette smoking Viral and bacterial infectionsViral and bacterial infections

Effects of AtherosclerosisEffects of Atherosclerosis

Dietary Recommendations to Dietary Recommendations to help prevent CVDhelp prevent CVD

Lower intakes of saturated fats and Lower intakes of saturated fats and transtrans-fats-fats Increase unsaturated fat intakeIncrease unsaturated fat intake

American Heart Association recommends 2 meals American Heart Association recommends 2 meals of fish per weekof fish per week

Increase consumption of fruits and vegetablesIncrease consumption of fruits and vegetables Increase complex carbohydratesIncrease complex carbohydrates

Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol and bile in the intestinesSoluble fiber binds to cholesterol and bile in the intestines Soy products and plant sterols might decrease CVDSoy products and plant sterols might decrease CVD Maintain healthy weightMaintain healthy weight Limit alcoholLimit alcohol Avoid tobacco Avoid tobacco