Changes in how our bodies process fats (lipids) can lead to heart diseases. This happens in a few different ways.
First, having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a big risk factor for a condition called atherosclerosis, which can cause heart problems. Studies show that people with high LDL levels (160 mg/dL or more) have a 2 to 4 times higher chance of developing heart disease than those with healthy levels (below 100 mg/dL).
Second, when lipid metabolism goes wrong, it can throw off the balance of substances in our body that either promote or reduce inflammation. For instance, an imbalance known as dyslipidemia increases the production of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP (over 3 mg/L) can mean there's a higher risk for heart issues.
Third, certain fats in our blood, especially very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) that is rich in triglycerides, can add to the risk of heart disease. Elevated levels of triglycerides (more than 150 mg/dL) are linked to a 3 times greater risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Another important factor is how fats can lead to oxidative stress, which harms our blood vessels. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) can cause problems in the lining of blood vessels, making it easier for atherosclerosis to happen. Research has shown that levels of oxLDL can predict heart issues, regardless of other common risk factors.
In summary, changes in lipid metabolism can lead to heart disease in several ways:
These points show how important fats are in heart disease and highlight the need for specific treatments to help manage these risks.
Changes in how our bodies process fats (lipids) can lead to heart diseases. This happens in a few different ways.
First, having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a big risk factor for a condition called atherosclerosis, which can cause heart problems. Studies show that people with high LDL levels (160 mg/dL or more) have a 2 to 4 times higher chance of developing heart disease than those with healthy levels (below 100 mg/dL).
Second, when lipid metabolism goes wrong, it can throw off the balance of substances in our body that either promote or reduce inflammation. For instance, an imbalance known as dyslipidemia increases the production of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP (over 3 mg/L) can mean there's a higher risk for heart issues.
Third, certain fats in our blood, especially very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) that is rich in triglycerides, can add to the risk of heart disease. Elevated levels of triglycerides (more than 150 mg/dL) are linked to a 3 times greater risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Another important factor is how fats can lead to oxidative stress, which harms our blood vessels. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) can cause problems in the lining of blood vessels, making it easier for atherosclerosis to happen. Research has shown that levels of oxLDL can predict heart issues, regardless of other common risk factors.
In summary, changes in lipid metabolism can lead to heart disease in several ways:
These points show how important fats are in heart disease and highlight the need for specific treatments to help manage these risks.