What Causes Rising Cholesterol Levels In The Bloodstream

There is no clear scientifically proven explanation as to exactly how a diet high in saturated fat could be the cause of rising cholesterol levels in the blood. We also do not know precisely how cholesterol could develop cardiovascular 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 usually result in some of the excess cholesterol to move towards the artery walls. The more the LDL levels, the more cholesterol moves out of the bloodstream and into the blood vessel walls. Rigidity of the artery walls might determine how much cholesterol may stay on the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as other influences such as stress might constrict artery walls. This may result in a disruption in the blood circulation 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 swelling

This sets off a sequence of events in which the body effectively sabotages itself. Swelling flares up in the affected region resulting in White blood cells or macrophages to rush to the scene. The macrophages ingest the cholesterol and get engorged further blocking the blood vessels. These cells continue to call for even more reinforcements causing far more congestion for the blood circulation. The macrophages are created to destroy infectious bacterias 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 inside the artery wall. Gradually the overloaded macrophage is destroyed and all the cholesterol and inflammatory substances are discharged into the artery wall.

Eventually the body forms a cap of sorts over the swollen 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. If this occur in an artery that leads to the heart, it may impede the blood circulation to the heart. This restriction however does not usually cause a cardiac arrest. Plaque deposits are full of 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 common cause of heart attacks.

Should a plaque cap rupture, blood will seep into the artery wall. The normal wound response mechanism starts and clotting agents are transported to the region. Platelets enter the wound to create a scab that inside an artery wall is deadly. 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 which is lacking oxygen rich blood starts to die. This is why cardiac arrest occur. The scientific term is a myocardial infarction.

Risk Factors For Developing Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol awareness has become a popular subject matter in the last 10 years or so. It seems that once we reach age 40, we are all tracking our cholesterol levels as close as we watch our waist lines. Unfortunately both often increase after 40.

Clarifying A Low/Modified Cholesterol Diet And Ways To Create Your Own
The best and most effective low cholesterol diet, and you have many excellent ones to pick from, is the diet plan you can maintain and enjoy. To achieve success with a cholesterol lowering diet, you will need to control the amount and sources of fats you eat also.

What You Need To Know About Your Cholesterol Levels
The waxy thing in our bodies known as cholesterol comes primarily in two common forms, HDL and LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is routinely spoken of as good cholesterol, while LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is the undesirable kind of cholesterol.