Introduction
Just at the beginning of the 20th century the link between circulatory system diseases and cholesterol was discovered. Increased concentration of “bad” cholesterol and free triacylglycerols in blood plasma belongs to the most important factors of arteriosclerosis hazard. When blood freely flows through blood vessels, together with it nutritious substances and essential to life oxygen are provided to every single cell. In blood also circulate compounds which may damage our arteries from inside (e.g. free radicals). Formed in this way damages cause that in these places fatty substances (mainly cholesterol) and thrombocytes begin to settle. Banks, which obstruct blood flow to many organs, are formed. In that way little and little oxygen reaches organs and progressive hypoxemia of organs leads to their insufficiency. Usually narrowing does not cover all arteries, it occurs in particular sections. Most frequently it concerns coronary arteries which conduct blood to heart. But one should remember cholesterol is also a forerunner of many important, essential for right organism functioning compounds which are sex hormones, hormones of adrenal cortex, vitamin D, gall acids.
Classification
- LDL – “bad cholesterol”
- HDL – “good cholesterol”
LDL – “bad cholesterol”
There are lipoproteins of low density. They increase cholesterol level in blood by its transport from liver to tissues – that is why they accelerate the grow of arteriosclerosis. Higher LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) cholesterol level increases heart disease hazard because this form of cholesterol settles on arterial walls. To reduce the level of this fraction one should limit the consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans isomers (products originated from animals e.g. meat, butter, full fat milk, hydrogenated margarines, pastries, French fries, chips), increase consumption of food containing soluble fiber, keep the right body mass.
HDL – “good cholesterol”
There are lipoproteins of high density. They decrease the total level of cholesterol in blood by its transport to liver, where it is expelled – that is why they act positively, slowing down the growth of vessel arteriosclerosis. HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) collects redundant cholesterol and carries it back to liver to be processed by organism. It can also remove cholesterol accumulated in arteries what means arteriosclerosis moving back.