Dealing with the bad cholesterol

Описание: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease in which fatty deposits (plaques made of cholesterol, lipids, calcium, and inflammatory cells) build up inside the walls of arteries. Over time, these plaques narrow and stiffen the blood vessels, reducing blood flow. Plaques can become unstable and rupture, triggering blood clot formation that may suddenly block the artery.

Causes
• High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance
• Obesity and physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sugars
• Genetic predisposition and increasing age
• Chronic inflammation and stress

Prevention
• Maintain a heart-healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats)
• Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week)
• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Limit alcohol intake and manage stress
• Adhere to prescribed medications (e.g., statins, antihypertensives) when indicated

Complications
• Coronary artery disease → angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Cerebrovascular disease → stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
• Peripheral arterial disease → claudication, limb ischemia, and gangrene
• Aneurysm formation due to weakened arterial walls
• Plaque rupture with thrombosis leading to sudden vessel occlusion