ANSWERS: 1
  • In the United States, heart attacks kill more than 1 million people and heart disease kills 500,000 every year, according to the National Institutes of Health. A major contributor to both conditions is a high level of cholesterol.

    Features

    Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance that is necessary for the body to function and produce hormones.

    LDL/HDL

    The liver is where cholesterol is produced and sent out to the body with other fats called low density lipoproteins (LDL). Once cholesterol has been utilized by the organs of the body, it returns to the liver to be disposed of by high density lipoproteins (HDL). This helps the body to digest fat and function effectively.

    Problems

    Too much cholesterol can be a bad thing. This is because excess deposits can remain on the walls of vessels and arteries leading to the brain and heart. This can cause a stroke or heart attack, because the excess deposits are not being returned the liver for disposal.

    Diabetes

    High levels of LDL have been shown to worsen conditions such as diabetes. The high amounts of LDL attach to the high levels of sugar in the blood. The body then takes longer to break down the sugar.

    Considerations

    High amounts of LDL in the body can cause the arteries to become narrow. This forces the heart to work faster, leading to higher blood pressure.

    Source:

    Journey to Wellness:LDL

    Web MD High Cholesterol

    NIH: Cholesterol

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