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