Unit 19

Atherosclerosis

"Hardening of the arteries" due to a buildup of plaque. Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the arteries and develops over decades.

Increase intake of foods rich in refined carbohydrates and added sugars have been found to:

1. Elevate blood levels of glucose and triglycerides 2. Trigger chronic inflammation and insulin resistance 3. Promote weight gain in many people

Many factors are related to increased risk of heart disease

1. Family history of early onset of heart disease and genetic traits for heart disease 2. High blood pressure 3. Elevated LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol 4. Smoking 5. Physical inactivity 6. Age (over 55 years) 7. Diabetes 8. Obesity, specifically high amounts of visceral (abdominal) fat 9. High intake of trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars 10. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation

Arteries leading to the heart are not the only ones affected by atherosclerosis

1. Legs - pain and muscle cramps 2. Brain - stroke

Numbers of heart disease are declining due to:

1. Risk factor reduction 2. Improved treatment

Narrowing of arteries by __ can cause chest pain (angina)

50% or more

Insulin Resistance

A condition in which cell membranes have reduced sensitivity to insulin so that more insulin is needed to transport glucose into cells. It is characterized by elevated levels of serum insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and increased blood pressure.

Metabolic Syndrome

A constellation of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal (central) obesity, high blood pressure and triglyceride levels, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and impaired glucose tolerance.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

Advocates a rich assortment of whole grains, legumes, fish and seafood, nuts, poultry, and vegetables and fruits; Emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity to heart disease risk reduction

The two groups that are more affected by heart disease:

African and Hispanic Americans

Dietary Risk Factors

Although saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, there is convincing evidence that saturated fat intake is not related to the development of heart disease in most humans

A heart attack occurs when...

An artery leading to the heart becomes clogged.

Plaque

Deposits of cholesterol, other fats, white blood cells, calcium, and cell materials in the lining of the inner wall of arteries.

Cardiovascular disease

Disorders related to plaque buildup in arteries of the heart, brain, and other organs and tissues.

Statins

Drugs that lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation, are recommended for people at risk of heart disease and for the treatment of heart disease

Consumption of a low-fat diet is the most important element of diets that reduce the risk of heart disease.

False

High levels of total cholesterol in the blood always represent major risk factor for heart disease.

False

The major drawback to heart-healthy diets is that they help prevent heart disease only.

False

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee concluded that saturated fats have "a neutral" effect on heart disease risk

High intake of trans fats increase heart disease risk and remain off the "recommended to consume" list of fats in foods; Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and shellfish decrease the risk of sudden death from heart disease; low sodium intake reduces the risk of hypertension in many people and therefore the risk of heart disease

Blood triglyceride levels can be reduced by:

Increased intake of fish and seafood, increased vegetable and fruit intake.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation that lasts weeks, months, or years. Inflammation is the first response of the body's immune system to infection or irritation. It triggers the release of biologically active substances that promote oxidation and other potentially harmful reactions in the body.

LDL cholesterol carries more cholesterol than does HDL

It can be oxidized into reactive LDL particles that make it more likely to enter plaque and contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup; the higher the LDL cholesterol level, the greater the risk for heart disease.

Blood LDL cholesterol levels are decreased by:

Limiting intake of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates.

Foods that tend to decrease chronic inflammation include:

Nuts and vegetable oils

Heart Disease

One of a number of disorders that result when circulation of blood to parts of the heart is inadequate. Also called coronary heart disease. (Coronary refers to the blood vessels at the top of the hart. They look somewhat like a crown).

Diet and lifestyle factors associated with increases in blood HDL cholesterol level include:

Regular physical activity and fish consumption

Plant Stannous and Sterols

Substances in corn, wheat, oats, rye, olives, wood and some other plants that are similar in structure to cholesterol but that are not absorbed by the body. They bind cholesterol and decrease its absorption.

Endothelium

The layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels.

About one in four deaths of men and women across the globe are related to heart disease.

True

Chronic inflammation in artery walls plays a major role int he development and progression of heart disease. Diet is a major factor influencing inflammation.

True

Healthful diets include ample vegetables and fruits, whole grain products, fish, and lean, unprocessed meats.

True

High levels of HDL cholesterol are more protective against heart disease in women than in men.

True

High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease just as low levels of HDL cholesterol do.

True

Low fats diets are no longer recommended for the prevention or treatment of heart disease

True

Major risk factors for heart disease do not differ between women and men.

True

Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increase risk of heart disease.

True

Nutritional deprivation during pregnancy can modify the function of genes that influence blood lipid levels in the offspring.

True

Plaque develops underneath the inside of surface of artery walls

True

The term cardiovascular disease refers to disorders related to plaque buildup in arteries of the heart, brain, and other organs and tissues.

True

Healthful diets are characterized by the regular consumption of foods such as:

Whole grain breakfast cereal and low-fat milk

Food sources of antioxidants include:

Whole grains and fruits