Know Your Blood-Flow
Atherosclerosis can narrow arteries and decrease blood supply to just about any part of the body.  The plaque of atherosclerosis can also become unstable and burst, causing a complete loss of blood to an area.  A loss of blood to the area can cause major damage or even cell death.  While you really don’t [...]

The Earlier You Start, the Better
Atherosclerosis and the problems it causes get an early start in life.  Cholesterol starts depositing in the arteries of Americans at an early age.  A study in 2003 looked at the arteries of 17 and 18 year old being assessed for the Austrian army.  The signs of athereosclerosis were already [...]

Sugar and Insulin
When we eat sugar it is absorbed into the body and makes its way to the bloodstream. The bloodstream then carries the sugar to the cells of the body. When a large amount of sugar is in the bloodstream, the body releases a large amount of insulin. This insulin drives [...]

Understand the Importance of LDL Cholesterol
If you know someone who has suffered a heart attack or stroke, then the words “You have high LDL cholesterol” from your doctor may have some meaning to you. For the rest of us, the words “high cholesterol” may not conjure up many thoughts or images. Even if you know [...]

These are the levels that are set by the ATP III. They are based on the risk for heart disease found in various studies. Understanding these gives you a notable upper-hand in the fight against high cholesterol and heart disease.

(In mg/dL)

LDL Cholesterol
 HDL Cholesterol    
Total Cholesterol
Triglycerides

<100 Optimal
< 40 Low
< 200 Desirable
< 150 [...]

The main issue that arises from high cholesterol, specifically high LDL cholesterol, is coronary heart disease. This is essentially a disease of the arteries that feed the heart nutrients and oxygen. Atherosclerosis is the culprit behind coronary heart disease.

Cholesterol. The word itself envokes fear in the “heart” of Americans. There is some validity behind this fear considering cholesterol is believed to contribute to arteriosclerosis, e.g. hardening of the arteries.