High Cholesterol In The Blood example essay topic

A 45 year old man who is a vegetarian (ovo-lacto), does not smoke or consume alcohol presents with the following blood work up. Blood pressure is typically 138/90. Asses his risk of coronary heart disease and describe changes associated with progressive atherosclerosis. Describe the disease process and pathological changes in his arteries. What lifestyle changes would you recommend? The blood work up that the patient has returned, is not a glowing health report but on the other hand its not reason to do into 'you are going to have a heart attack in the next 10 minutes' mode.

But the consensus is not good and if the man does not do something about certain components presented in the blood work up he will definitely fall into the heart attack in minute's category. Due to his below level HDL's and the high level of his LDL, also he is above the reference range for cholesterol. It seems that he is very much at risk for coronary heart disease. This is because low levels of HDLs in the blood and high levels of LDLs is characteristic of the risk factor elevated serum lipids. ' High levels of low-density lipoproteins and low levels of high density lipoproteins place a person at extremely high risk of having a heart attack at a relatively young age - under 60.

' (Whilmore J, Costil, D 647, 1999) What is wrong with having low levels of HDL? The letters HDL are an abbreviation for the words, high density lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are proteins that help transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood to and from certain components of the body. Lipoproteins help out with transport because cholesterol and triglycerides are non-polar. Non polarity makes lipoproteins highly insoluble in blood. High density lipoproteins are essential to the body because they transport cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to the liver.

In the liver the triglycerides and cholesterol are broken down into bile and bile salts which is then stored in the gall bladder. The bile and bile salts emulsify fats in the gastrointestinal tract and then re-enter circulation through the hepatic circulatory system. (Ward. E. 2003.4) High density lipoproteins obtain the cholesterol from the peripheral tissue with the aid of the liver. The liver synthesizes 'protein envelops of HDL particles and ejects them into the blood stream in collapsed form', (Marieb. E. 1992,857) When the collapsed form of HDL is entered back into circulation it is incomplete. These incomplete HDL particles are then filled up with cholesterol that is collected from tissues cells and extracted from artery walls. (Marieb. E. 1992,857) The job description of a high density lipoprotein, is one that is positive to the well being of the body and it is recommended that the higher the lipoprotein figure in the blood is better because the fats that this transport vessel is carrying is going to be degraded not deposited.

Looking at the mans blood work up again things are not looking good as his levels are 0.81 for first test and 0.89 for the second test and the reference range is between 1.04-1.55. What is Wrong with Having a High level LDLs? LDL is also known as low density lipoprotein, the function of this lipoprotein is to transport cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissues of the body. The cholesterol that is transported low density proteins is sometimes known as 'bad cholesterol'.

The cholesterol transported is used for membranes, the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile salts. As well as these functions low density lipoprotein receptors are also found on fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and liver cells. Low Density Lipoproteins are not recommended to be at elevated levels in the blood because this 'lipoprotein favors the deposition of cholesterol in arterial walls. ' (Rhoades and Pflanzer, 1996,516) Whats Wrong with Having high cholesterol in the blood? Cholesterol in the blood does not serve as an energy fuel, it is more of a structural molecule. Cholesterol is the basis of things such as: Bile salts Steroid hormones Vitamin D Makes up a large part of a cell membrane About 15% of the cholesterol that is found in the blood comes from the food we ingest and the other 85% comes from the liver as a product of the breaking down of acetyl Co A. (Marieb. E. 1992,856) High levels of cholesterol in the blood is not a good sign because the excess cholesterol that the body does not need is deposited on the lining of blood vessels and this builds up, sometimes nearly blocking the lumen.

As well as effecting general blood vessels, cholesterol can also accumulate inside and outside the cells of the artieries. Which causes the walls of the arteries to loose its elasticity and resulting in the hardening of the artery. (Rhoades and Pflanzer, 1996,516) A disease that is closely related to the level different lipoproteins and cholesterol levels in the blood is a disease called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis as the name suggests effects the arteries of the body, arteries that are most affected by this disease is the aorta and the coronary arteries. Arteries are made up of 3 layers: Tunica intima Tunica media Adventitia There is no clear evidence on the process of the atherosclerosis but researches think they have a pretty good idea about the process. One of these ideas is known as the 'Response to Injury hypothesis.

The first step in the development of atherosclerosis is that the tunica intima becomes damaged. This damage may be caused by a number of things, for example, chemicals that are blood bourn, viruses, or physical factors such as a severe hit or hypotension. The damaged cells of the intima then produce 'chemotactic agents and growth factors', (Rhoades and Pflanzer, 1996,646), which increases the amount of lipids being picked up from the blood. Monocytes in the blood then attach themselves to the changed cells of the tunica intima and move under the intima in the process becoming macrophages.

The macrophages and smooth muscle cells form the tunica media begin to store lipids. Both the macrophages and the smooth muscle cells became what is known as the foam cells. These foam cells trigger the production of a fatty streak, which is the first detectable sign of atherosclerosis. The fatty streak is also known as a forerunner of plaque deposits because the proliferating smooth muscle cells as well as accumulating lipids, they start to deposit collagen and elastin fibers, which thicken the intima and produce lesions known as atheromas, which are also known as atherosclerotic plaques. So it is when these fatty protrusions of muscle and fibrous tissue begin to take up the space of the lumen, are person is said to have atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis develops into arteriosclerosis, which contributes directly to the development of Chronic Heart Disease.

That's why it is essential that if you are at risk of atherosclerosis to minimize its effects and modify your lifestyle. Modifications to Life Style That Minimize and / or Prevent the Development of Atherosclerosis 1. Start exercising, no exercise elevates blood pressure which is in direct relation to decrease of blood flow to the heart. Also no exercise keeps the lipids in the blood at a high amount, decreases HDL levels 2. Eat fish or food stuffs that are high in omega three, because these babies are high in High density Lipoprotiens and Cut out those foods that are rich in highly saturated fats... that means no more Macdonalds 3. Your diet need too be low fat and high in fibre, because the cellulose in fiber binds bile salts, which are made up of primarily cholesterol.

4. Stop getting old! Reference: Physiology of Sport and Exercise 2nd ed, Jack. H. Wilmore David L. Costill 1999 Human Kinetics USA Rhoades R. and Pflanzer R. Human Physiology 3rd ed Saunders College Publishing 1996 USA Marieb E Human Anatomy and Physiology 2nd ed The Benjamin / Cummings Publishing Company, Inc. 1992, USA A 45 year old man who is a vegetarian (ovo-lacto), does not smoke or consume alcohol presents with the following blood work up. Stop getting old!

1992, USA.