Blood Chemistry

1
Blood Chemistry

• How it affects Cardiovascular Disease

2
HDLs

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vwnK1Kv3XkZI
• HDL lipoproteins, which are combinations of
  lipids and proteins.
• HDL is considered the good cholesterol.
• Higher levels of HDLs reduce risk of heart
  disease
• Healthy lifestyle changes can increase HDL
  levels.

3
LDLs

• LDL low density lipoprotein..BAD cholesterol
• LDLs carry the cholesterol throughout the body
  for use by different cells, but if there is too
  much cholesterol it can build up on artery walls
• Plaque build up blocked arteries heart attacks
  and strokes
• Under 100 mg/dL good level
• Age Tests, diet, exercise, weight loss,
  medications

4
What are Triglycerides?

• the chemical form in which most fat exists in
  food as well as in the body
• present in blood plasma and, in association with
  cholesterol, form the plasma lipids
• Triglycerides in plasma are derived from fats
  eaten in foods or made in the body from other
  energy sources like carbohydrates.
• Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides
  from fat tissue so they meet the
• body's needs for energy
• between meals.

5
How do triglycerides contribute to heart disease?

• High triglycerides increased the risk of heart
  attack 3-fold
• High triglyceride levels are associated with risk
  factors for heart disease low levels of HDL,
  high levels of LDL
• Hypertriglyceridemia abnormal concentration of
  triglyceride in blood.
• Hypertriglyceridemia can lead to Atherosclerosis
  , where deposits build up in the inner lining of
  an artery, leading to the hardening of arteries.

6
What is a healthy amount?
These are based on fasting plasma triglyceride
levels.
7
Maintaining normal levels

• Lose excess pounds.
• Cut back on calories.
• Avoid sugary and refined foods.
• Limit the cholesterol in your diet.
• Choose healthier fats.
• Eliminate trans fat.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Exercise Regularly.

8
Glucose

• Diabetics are twice more likely to get heart
  disease than non-diabetics
• People with diabetes also tend to get heart
  disease at an earlier age
• High blood glucose levels damage nerves and blood
  vessels

9
Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure killed 49,707 Americans in a
  year
• High blood pressure increases risk for heart
  disease and stroke, both leading causes of death
  in U.S.
• Among people with high blood pressure 31.6 are
  unaware they have it
• High blood pressure is easily detectable and
  usually controlled by life modifications
  exercise, diet

10
Blood Clots

• Atherosclerosis
• Starts when platelets clump together around
  plaque
• Plaque forms when cholesterol other substances
  build up in inner lining of arteries