Coronary Heart Disease Flashcards
What is cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance (unsaturated steroid alcohol). Cholesterol is either a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Where does most of our cholesterol come from
75% of cholesterol is made by the liver
Sources of Cholesterol
- The liver makes it and secretes it into the blood. It is regulated by receptors in the liver.
- A genetic predisposition to hypercholesterolemia
- A diet high in saturated fats
What is a high-density lipoprotein
A high-density lipoprotein, HDL, is “good” cholesterol. It has a higher level of protein than cholesterol. HDLs transport cholesterol to the liver so it can be eliminated in the bile. The high HDL levels are the lower the risk for coronary heart disease
What is a low-density lipoprotein
A low-density lipoprotein, LDL, is “bad” cholesterol. It is more cholesterol than protein. LDLs stick to damaged or inflamed blood vessel walls and form a plaque. Higher LDL levels mean a higher risk of coronary heart disease
What is a triglyceride
- Type of lipid found in the body
- Any unused kilojoules turn into triglycerides
- They are stored in fat cells
- Hormones release them for energy between meals
- More triglycerides means more fat
Triglycerides vs cholesterol
Triglycerides store unused kilojoules
Cholesterol builds and repair cells
High triglycerides can be a sign of obesity, type 2 diabetes, low thyroid hormones, liver disease or kidney disease
High triglycerides are a side effect of beta blockers, birth control, diuretics, steriods or chemotherapy
What is cholesterol needed for
- Digest vitamin D
- Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone
- Cortisol
- Bile acids
- Membrane function of nerve cells in the brain
- Neuroprotective antioxidant
How can we control cholesterol intake
- Minimise sweets and refined carbohydrates
- Increase consumption of healthy fats
- Consume carbohydrates with proteins and fats to slow breakdown
- Reduce portion sizes
- Increase fibre intake
- Avoid transfats
- Limit cholesterol intake by only eating red/organ meat 3 times a week
- Eat more healthy fish, cod, tuna, salmon, mackerel and herring (rich in omega 3 fatty acids)
Practical ways to control cholesterol levels in the diet
- Replace full cream dairy products with low fat options
- Increase legume intake
- Use healthy cooking methods
- Read food labels
Lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol
- Physical activity increases cellular energy needs
- Increases ratio of good to bad cholesterol
- Reduce stress hormone, which reduces blood pressure and sugar
- Medication and supplements
The Heart Mark means a food is:
- Low in cholesterol
- Low in saturated fats
- Low in sodium
- Low in added sugars
- High in fibre
The Heart Mark is used by
The heart and stroke foundation of south africa
Why is high cholesterol dangerous
- Incubation period for the disease is 10 to 20 years
- Metabolic disruptions are present before physical symptoms
- Reduces quality of life and wellbeing
- Accelerates the development of hypertension, heart disease, dementia
