Cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart disease

Cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart diseaseSoft, fat-like, waxy substanceBloodstream and cellsNeeded for cell membranes and hormones and to make vitamin DComes from 2 sourcesBody produces it (mostly genetic) in liver (1000 mg day)Food sources (animal products –meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, whole milk, and cheese, not from plant sources) (100 –500 mg day)Foods with trans fats or saturated fats may cause the body to produce more cholesterol Must be transported through bloodCarriers are called lipoproteinsLow-density lipoprotein (LDL)High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Lipoprotein = protein + fatLDL, more fat, less proteinHDL, more protein, less fatLDL = “bad”Too much can clog arteries by forming plaqueAtherosclerosis can cause heart attack or strokeHDL = “good”Tends to carry cholesterol away from arteriesand back to liver.May also remove excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, slows buildup.•Total cholesterol–Optimal –under 200 mg/dL–Borderline high risk –200-239 mg/dL–High risk –240 mg/dLand up•LDL–Optimal –less than 100 mg/dL–Near/Above optimal –100-129 mg/dL–Borderline high –130-159 mg/dL–High –160 –189 mg/dL–Very high –190 mg/dL