There is no clear scientifically proven explanation as to exactly how a diet high in saturated fat can be the cause of rising cholesterol levels in the blood. We also do not know exactly how cholesterol can develop heart disease. However, there is a very plausible theory which has a large following in the scientific community.

The LDL connection

It begins with a high level of LDL cholesterol. Excess levels of LDL cholesterol often result in some of the excess cholesterol to move to the artery walls. The higher the LDL levels, the more cholesterol moves out of the bloodstream and into the blood vessel walls. Rigidity of the artery walls may determine how much cholesterol might stay on the artery walls. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and also other influences such as stress may constrict artery walls. This can result in a disruption in the flow of blood as well as pressure. When this occurs, artery walls can weaken or become scarred in the first layer of the lining allowing LDL to further embed into the artery walls.

The role of inflammation

This sets off a sequence of events where the body effectively sabotages itself. Inflammation flares up in the affected region causing White blood cells or macrophages to rush to the scene. The macrophages absorb the cholesterol and get engorged further blocking the blood vessels. These cells continue to call for even more reinforcements resulting in far more congestion for the flow of blood. The macrophages are designed to destroy infectious microbes and then vanish are fighting Lipids which by their very nature are being constantly reproduced. A never ending battle rages. This leads to a steady and continuing state of inflammation in the artery wall. Gradually the overloaded macrophage is killed and all the cholesterol and inflammatory substances are released into the artery wall.

Eventually the body forms a cap of sorts over the inflamed wall section. This cap forms plaque that starts the state of atherosclerosis and the shrinking of the artery opening and resultant constriction in the blood flow. Should this occur in an artery that leads to the heart, it may impede the flow of blood to the heart. This restriction however does not usually cause a heart attack. Plaque deposits are full of inflammation and LDL. Immune cells, T-lymphocytes and macrophages, are the most severe in terms of containing inflammatory cells. If the plaque deposit has a thin cap, it is more certain to rupture.

Ruptures are the common cause of heart attacks.

Should a plaque cap rupture, blood will seep into the artery wall. The typical wound response mechanism starts and clotting agents are sent to the area. Platelets enter the wound to create a scab that inside an artery wall is life threatening. This scab or clot inside an artery is termed as thrombus. It may cut off blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. The section of the heart that is lacking oxygen rich blood begins to die. This is how cardiac arrest occur. The medical term is known as a myocardial infarction.

Risk Factors For Acquiring Heart Problems
Cholesterol awareness has become a very popular topic over the past 10 years or so. It seems that once we reach age 40, we are all tracking our cholesterol numbers as close as we watch our waist lines. Unfortunately both seem to increase after 40.

What You Need To Know About Our Good And Bad Cholesterol Levels
The waxy substance in the human body known as cholesterol comes primarily in two basic forms, HDL and LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as the good cholesterol, while LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is the undesirable form of cholesterol.

Different Ways To Manage And Cut Down Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels
Bad cholesterol, which is also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is a bad element because the molecules cannot dissolve in the blood and these have a tendency to cling to artery walls potentially provoking a heart attack or causing other heart related diseases.

What One Should Know Regarding High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is something which does not cause many symptoms, which means that you could have it and not know about it. This is why it is so important to schedule any recommended checkups as suggested for your age or other risk factors.

You Should Prevent From High Cholesterol Food-Stuffs To Remain Well
The best way to get at that overabundance of cholesterol is, of course, to take a look at your high cholesterol food consumption and alter it to reduce the amount of that food in your diet.

What You Should Understand About High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is technically known as lipids or fats . It resembles a waxy powder that looks like candle wax shavings. It is light yellow in color.

The Seriousness Of Understanding Cholesterol Prior To Taking A High Cholesterol Medication
Because too much cholesterol can damage the heart and the rest of the circulatory system, we are strongly urged to keep our cholesterol at the proper levels. When you have changed what you can, if your lipid and cholesterol numbers are still in an unhealthy range, you and your doctor may decide on using a cholesterol drug.