High dietary fat intake is associated with heart disease. Certain fats, like saturated, trans and cholesterol may increase your risk of heart disease by raising your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight. A study published in The Lancet in 1990 evaluated the effects of dietary habits on heart disease. 28 cardiac patients were put on a low fat diet and their coronary health was evaluated after one year. The simple dietary change of reducing fat intake was enough to reverse coronary artery buildup after just one year of dieting.
Types of Dietary Fats
There are two main types of fats: saturated, trans and unsaturated. When you think of heart disease, your saturated and trans fats have the most influence on your risk, according to the American Heart Association. Saturated fats are the kinds of fats that are solid at room temperature and come mainly from animal sources. Trans fats are man made fats that occur during manufacturing. This process involves added carbons to hydrogen on fats that can raise your cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and come mainly from plant sources.
The Influence of Dietary Fats on Cholesterol
A high intake of dietary fats, especially saturated and trans fats, increases your blood cholesterol. Elevated blood cholesterol levels are unhealthy for anyone. These may be associated with a greater likelihood of suffering from heart disease.
Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Cholesterol is needed by the body, it serves many functions, but an excess of blood cholesterol can contribute to coronary artery disease. Heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply your heart cells become occluded. An occlusion means there is less blood flow through the artery and less oxygen and blood getting to your heart. In times of stress either from physical activity or otherwise, your heart may be in need of increased oxygen. An occlusion may prevent your working heart from receiving the blood it needs. Excess blood cholesterol contributes to the narrowing of your arteries when it gets inside the lining of your arterial walls and forms a blockage.
Fat Intake, Weight and Heart Disease
Large amounts of dietary fat may also increase your weight. Being overweight or obese is another risk factor for developing heart disease. According to the Weight Control Information Network, extra fat increases blood cholesterol, hypertension and metabolic disorders that can all contribute to heart disease. In addition, body fat may cause inflammation of your arteries, which can also lead to heart disease.
Lowering Your Risk with Fats
You should do your very best to substitute saturated fats for unsaturated ones whenever possible. According to the American Heart Association, this kind of habit can lead to a decrease in heart disease. However, you still need to limit your intake of fat, whether it be saturated or unsaturated. Your total fat intake should not exceed 30 percent of your total daily calories.
References
- American Heart Association; Fat; 2011
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; CHD Explained; 2010
- Weight-Control Information Network; Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?; December 2007
- The Lancet; Can Lifestyle Changes Reverse Coronary Heart Disease?; D. Ornish, M.D., et al.; July 21, 1990
