Physiological

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a result of plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.  The buildup begins when a part of the artery is damaged, and a plaque forms to heal the site. Then, excess triglycerides and cholesterol attach to the plaque and form a blockage. Coronary artery disease is the … Read more

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) obtained from the diet or produced by the liver, and are a source of energy.  Whenever you eat, your body puts some calories into the bloodstream to use for energy immediately.  The excess calories are converted into triglycerides by the liver, and then travel to be stored as … Read more

According to the American Heart Association, physical activity increases HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol) in some people.  A high HDL cholesterol level reduces risk for heart disease.  “Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for disease.” Age, sex, race, and genetics all play a role in a person’s metabolism.  The amount of exercise required varies … Read more

Our bodies need cholesterol to form cell membranes, to help break down some dietary fats, and for some hormones.  Our liver is capable of making all the cholesterol we need, but we also consume cholesterol when we eat animal products (egg yolks, whole milk, and red meat) and saturated fats.  Our bodies can use this … Read more

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance needed for cell membranes and some hormones. High levels of cholesterol are linked to coronary artery disease and heart attacks (myocardial infarction). Cholesterol is carried through the blood on lipoproteins.  The two most common lipoproteins are high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL).  HDL is “good” cholesterol because it is believed to … Read more