Ways to Prevent Heart Disease
Low density lipoproteins, commonly know as "bad" LDL, can penetrate and gather against the inner walls of our arteries, under certain conditions, forming fatty streaks and plaque. Due to the busy lifestyles of two income households, the demand for quick and easy microwaveable food, fast food and snack foods have increased drastically. Also, many children are substituting soda and vending machine snacks for school lunches.
Taken alone, LDL particles aren't so dangerous it seems, however, when attacked by free radicals they turn into dangerous and somewhat aggressive cells, capable of actually penetrating and harming the smooth inner walls of our arteries. This process is called oxidation. Oxidized LDL is known to be the culprit in stimulating atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is vital to healthy collagen production (blood vessel linings).
LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, is transported to sites throughout the body, where it's used to repair cell membranes or to make hormones. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of your arteries. HDL cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol, transports cholesterol to the liver, where it's altered and removed from the body. There is good reason for their large size. Unlike their smaller cousin, which easily passes through blood vessel walls, the LDL and VLDL versions of cholesterol are meant to take a different pathway; they leave the blood stream in the liver.
There sometimes is no outward sign that a person has the disease. The most common symptom is chest pain or angina. This can be described as and uncomfortable feeling usually felt in the chest just below the breastbone. But the most important and the most dangerous from of heart disease is that which eventually damages the entire functioning of the heart.
Excessive cholesterol can cause buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Accumulation of plaque in arteries can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack. The second fat to decrease is Trans Fats which are found in many packaged convenience foods including certain margarines, crackers, and chips. Trans Fats are now located on the nutrition label under "Fats".
The diseases and conditions that affect the heart are in a group known as heart disease. People suffering from diabetes have a higher chance of having heart disease. There is high level of blood sugar or the blood glucose itself in diabetes patients. Cardiomyopathy is yet another form of heart disease which impairs the heart's function. Cardiomyopathy form of heart disease often damages and weakens the heart.
Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Red meat is high in artery-clogging saturated fat. It is best to stick to a red meat free diet which includes healthier protein options like chicken, fish, egg whites, tofu and beans. Cholesterol can turn bad in your blood if you have a very poor diet and this causes the formation of plaques in the walls of the blood vessels leading to heart problems and bypass surgery in some cases. Its the build up of LDL cholesterol as mentioned above.
Heredity plays a very important in determining your chances of having a heart problem. Children's whose parents suffer from heart disease are more likely to be affected by this disease if proper care is not taken. Heart disease results from any abnormality of the heart. While heart disease can result in heart failure, it can be present and never lead to heart failure at all. Murmurs can be associated with heart disease that may be minor or serious in nature.
The Mediterranean Diet involves the use of only a limited amount of dairy products -- including very few eggs. When it comes to the inclusion of dairy products, for the most part non-fat or very low fat products are utilized. Remember your body can produce cholesterol even if you think you could avoid cholesterol containing food.
MonaVie delivers a powerful nutritional blend that promotes health at the cellular level. Learn more about the health benefits of this antioxidant and phytonutrient rich drink. Health Articles
You can get a unique content version of this article.
About the Author
Rating: Not yet rated