Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood continually to the different parts of the body through blood vessels called "arteries." However, formation of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries narrows the blood vessels and decreases the flow of blood. Consuming foods rich in trans fat is known to increase plaque deposits and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. In a 2006 study, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health state that decreasing trans fat intake could reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease by 10 to 19 percent.
Trans Fat Sources
Although some trans fats are naturally found in milk and meat, the majority of the trans fats in your diet are those manufactured by hydrogenation of oil. This process changes the chemical structure of the unsaturated fatty acids in oil to trans fatty acids, resulting in the conversion of liquid oils into solids fats. Trans fats are mostly found hidden in snack foods, baked products, crackers, fried foods, pies, pastries, doughnuts and cookies. The widespread use of trans fats in these foods increases their shelf-life and maintains freshness.
Plaque Formation
Although you might have a family history of heart disease, other factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity also play an active role in initiating the formation of plaque. Plaque formation generally starts when the body heals a damaged artery by depositing fat, cholesterol, platelets, cellular debris and calcium over it. Over time, more fat adds onto the plaque deposits and the arteries harden, resulting in a medical condition known as "atherosclerosis."
Trans Fats and Plaque
Once consumed, trans fats behave like saturated fatty acids and increase the levels of low-density lipoprotein LDL-cholesterol, which is the unhealthy fat that can build up in the arteries. However, unlike saturated fatty acids, trans fat further go on to decrease levels of the healthy fat called high-density lipoprotein or HDL, which helps in decreasing LDL levels in blood. This double role of trans fats in increasing LDL levels and decreasing HDL levels makes them more likely to clog your arteries.
Plaque and Disease
Plaque can form on the arteries of the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis and kidneys, resulting in different organs being affected by a limited supply of oxygen-rich blood. Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque deposits clog arteries leading to the heart. The interruption in blood flow to the heart causes a heart attack. Similarly, a blocked carotid artery interrupts blood supply to the brain, leading to the symptoms of stroke, while peripheral arterial disease occurs when there is plaque in the arteries of the legs, arms and pelvis. Plaque deposits in the renal arteries may cause chronic renal disease.
