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What Causes Heart Attacks – Find out How Bad Cholesterol can affect your Heart Health

What causes Heart Attacks ? Although cardio-vascular disease is caused by many factors, high levels of Cholesterol in the blood has a major influence on the health of the cardio vascular system.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood cause fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to blockages and damage to the heart.

So what is a high level ? Your annual examination at your doctors may include a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels. Most tests have to be done after a fasting period – no food or drink other than water for between 12 and 14 hours.It is usual for the results to take a few days to be returned.

It is generally accepted that a total cholesterol level of over 200mg may cause problems in your cardio vascular system.

There are 3 components of cholesterol that are commonly measured LDL, HDL and Tryglycerides. Cholesterol generally has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins.

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as ?bad? cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as ?good? cholesterol.

These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides, make up your total cholesterol count.

Bad or LDL Cholesterol – If excessive LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. This, together with other substances can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that narrows the arteries and makes them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis, which if a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result.

Good or HDL Cholesterol – 25 to 35% of cholesterol in the blood is high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It is called good cholesterol, because high levels seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also actually increase the risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are fats made in the body. High levels of tryglycerides are also known factors in people with diabetes and are What Causes Heart Attacks .

Cholesterol is measured by milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Usually, only the total cholesterol amount is given when a person is tested for cholesterol. Sometimes you are given the HDL cholesterol and the total cholesterol results.

The guidance from the American Heart Association shows that….

Total Blood (or Serum) Cholesterol Level should be less than 200 mg/dL.

If your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels are also at desirable levels and you have no other risk factors for heart disease, total blood cholesterol below 200 mg/dL puts you at relatively low risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease. It is still advisable to eat a heart-healthy diet, take regular exercise and no smoking to avoid the Causes of Heart Attacks.

200-239 mg/dL:- Medium to High Risk

With total cholesterol of between 200 and 239 mg/dL, your doctor will evaluate your levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is possible to have borderline-high total cholesterol numbers with normal levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol balanced by high HDL (good) cholesterol.

240 mg/dL and over:- High Risk

A total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or more typically have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose cholesterol level is desirable (200 mg/dL).

Your LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level

The lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of the Signs of Heart Attacks and stroke. In fact, it is a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol. In general, LDL levels fall into these categories:

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal

100 to 129 mg/dL Near Optimal to Above Optimal

130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline High

160 to 189 mg/dL High

190 mg/dL and above Very High

Your HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level

With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women) puts you at higher risk for heart disease.

Smoking, being overweight, and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol. To raise your HDL level, avoid tobacco smoke, maintain a healthy weight and get at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity more days than not.

People with high blood triglycerides usually also have lower HDL cholesterol and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Your Triglyceride Level

Triglyceride is a form of fat. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Your triglyceride level will fall into one of these categories:

Normal: less than 150 mg/dL

Borderline-High: 150-199 mg/dL

High: 200-499 mg/dL

Very High: 500 mg/dL

Many people have high triglyceride levels due to being overweight/obese, lack of physical activity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption, and/or a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of more of their daily calories).

The higher the ratio of LDL to the total cholesterol, the greater will be the risk of arterial damage and heart disease. HDL, on the other hand, plays a salutory role by helping remove cholesterol from circulation and thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Get and Stay Heart Healthy.

Keep your Cholesterol Levels within safe limits to avoid What Causes Heart Attacks .

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