Hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, causes more disability and death than any other disease in the world, according to University of California San Diego. Throughout your lifetime, deposits of plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other materials, attach to the lining of your artery walls, narrowing them and creating a blockage. Atherosclerosis can affect any of your arteries, leading to coronary artery disease and stroke. If you consistently have high serum cholesterol levels, you are at greater risk for developing atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis. Along with other fats, cholesterol makes up the walls of your cell membranes and plays an integral role transporting fats within your bloodstream. Fats can't dissolve in your blood, so they are encased in a shell composed of cholesterol and protein, called lipoproteins, to move in and out of your cells as needed. There are two major types of lipoproteins, high-density lipoprotein, or HDL and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. If your blood levels of LDL cholesterol are high, the excess attaches to your artery walls and builds up to form atherosclerotic plaques. HDL cholesterol is actually helpful in removing excess cholesterol and bringing it back to the liver for removal.
Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis
Your arteries are lined with smooth muscle cells which constrict and dilate to maintain your blood pressure and control the flow of blood from your heart. When serum cholesterol levels are high, especially LDL cholesterol, it damages your artery wall and allows excess cholesterol to attach and form a plaque. Along with the damage to your artery wall, large amounts of cholesterol within the arteries also cause inflammation and scarring, compounding the problem. Atherosclerotic plaques narrow your arteries, permitting less blood to flow through. Tissue breakdown in the inner artery wall causes blood clots which can break off to cause heart attack and stroke.
Prevention
The first line of defense against atherosclerosis is to get your serum LDL cholesterol levels down. According to the American Heart Association, you have high serum cholesterol and a greater risk for atherosclerosis if your total cholesterol level is greater than and 200 mg/dL and your LDL level is over 129 mg/dL. Lifestyle changes also help reduce your cholesterol levels. Stop smoking, drink alcohol only in moderation, get 30 minutes of exercise daily and lose weight if you need to.
Treatment Of High Cholesterol
High serum cholesterol levels are treated through diet and prescription medication, if necessary. Eat a heart-healthy diet containing plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat, fish and low-fat dairy. If your cholesterol levels remain high after changing your diet and making other lifestyle changes, you may need to take cholesterol-lowering medication. Consult your doctor regarding the type that is appropriate for you.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Atherosclerosis; December 13, 2008
- University of California San Diego; "Atherosclerosis - A Story of Cells, Cholesterol and Clots"; John R. Guyton
- American Heart Association: Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
- MayoClinic.com; Top Five Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cholesterol; May 20, 2010
