BLOOD

CHEMISTRY
How it affects Cardiovascular Disease
HDL’S
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnK1Kv3XkZI

 HDL= lipoproteins, which are combinations of lipids and

proteins.

 HDL is considered the “good cholesterol”.

 Higher levels of HDL’s reduce risk of heart disease

 Healthy lifestyle changes can increase HDL levels.

LDL’S
 LDL= low density lipoprotein…..BAD cholesterol
 LDL’s carry the cholesterol throughout the body for use
by different cells, but if there is too much cholesterol it
can build up on artery walls
 Plaque build up= blocked arteries= heart attacks and
strokes
 Under 100 mg/dL = good level

 Age & Tests, diet, exercise, weight loss, medications

WHAT ARE
TRIGLYCERIDES?
• the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as
in the body
• present in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol,
form the plasma lipids
• Triglycerides in plasma are derived from fats eaten in foods or
made in the body from other energy sources like
carbohydrates.
• Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue
so they meet the
body's needs for energy
between meals.
HOW DO TRIGLYCERIDES
CONTRIBUTE TO HEART DISEASE?
• High triglycerides increased the risk
of heart attack 3-fold
• High triglyceride levels are associated
with risk factors for heart disease:
low levels of HDL, high levels of
LDL
• Hypertriglyceridemia= abnormal
concentration of triglyceride in
blood.
• Hypertriglyceridemia can lead to
Atherosclerosis , where deposits
build up in the inner lining of an
artery, leading to the hardening of
arteries.
WHAT IS A HEALTHY
AMOUNT?

*These are based on fasting plasma

triglyceride levels.
MAINTAINING NORMAL
LEVELS…
• Lose excess pounds.
• Cut back on calories.
• Avoid sugary and refined foods.
• Limit the cholesterol in your diet.
• Choose healthier fats.
• Eliminate trans fat.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Exercise Regularly.
GLUCOSE
 Diabetics are twice more likely to get heart disease than
non-diabetics

 People with diabetes also tend to get heart disease at an

earlier age

 High blood glucose levels damage nerves and blood

vessels
 BLOOD PRESSURE
 High blood pressure killed 49,707 Americans in a year
 High blood pressure increases risk for heart disease and
stroke, both leading causes of death in U.S.
 Among people with high blood pressure 31.6% are
unaware they have it
 High blood pressure is easily detectable and usually
controlled by life modifications: exercise, diet
BLOOD CLOTS
 Atherosclerosis

 Starts when platelets clump

together around plaque

 Plaque forms when

cholesterol & other
substances build up in inner
lining of arteries