4.3 Heart Dysfunctions

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What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid that is necessary for the proper functioning of cells and maintaining a healthy body.

HDL- Cholesterol that removes harmful, bad cholesterol from the inner walls of blood vessels and transports it back to the liver.

LDL- Cholesterol that collects in the walls of blood vessels, causing blockage/atherosclerosis.

Risks of Cholesterol

People with 240 mg/dL or higher cholesterol levels are at a high risk of heart disease and/or stroke

HDL- High risk: less than 40 mg/dL

LDL- High risk: 190 mg/dL or higher

*See chart below for more detailed analysis

What should people do to prevent/help heart disease?

Regular blood tests

Healthy diet

Maintain healthy weight

Exercise regularly

Don't smoke

Treat high cholesterol

What is Atherosclerosis?

The build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls

Possible Symptoms: Pain in the chest and can occur in the leg while exercising, shortness of breath, heart attack, transient ischemic attack, poor wound healing, erectile dysfunction, or stroke

What is Hypercholesterolemia?

It is when there are very high cholesterol levels in the blood. It can greatly increase a person's risk of developing coronary heart disease.