5 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

plaques become a danger when they obstruct blood flow, rupture, or wear away the arterial wall. The event can go unnoticed or result in severe complications, such as a heart attack, stroke, or hemorrhage. Plaques can also cause arterial walls to become worn and tear, leading to aneurysms. Clinical manifestations or complications of atherosclerosis are usually not seen until middle age. The clinical phase is more common in men, but begins to appear as frequently in women after menopause.

Preventing Dangerous Cholesterol Accumulation

Smoking is known to contribute to the development of atherosclerotic plaques by increasing the foam cells that fill them and push the plaques outward to cut off blood flow through the artery. Also, smoking may present one of the initiating events for cholesterol adherence within the artery. According to a popular medical school Pathology text (Kumar et al, Basic Pathology, 7th edition), immune responses are partly responsible as well because atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory response to damage along the inner arterial wall, propagated by cholesterol buildup. It should also be noted that an improperly treated virus or an unneeded pharmaceutical can be as much to blame for heart disease as cholesterol in a given individual. Smoking cessation can have a positive effect on heart health, and dietary changes can be more effective than pharmaceuticals in most patients.

Reducing dietary fat intake and increasing exercise can go a long way in treating high cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. Many studies have shown the benefits of these lifestyle changes. Losing weight is often recommended for those with hypertension and/or high cholesterol.

There are also now prescription drugs available that claim to lower blood lipid (cholesterol) levels. In particular are the statins, which are actually most effective in men who have established heart disease. Many studies have found that lifestyle changes pose the lowest risk to those with high cholesterol levels but no established heart disease (no heart attack, stroke, or bypass history). Medication is recommended only after lifestyle changes have been attempted. For more information, see the American Heart Association.

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about The dangers of high cholesterol?
We want to hear your view. Write now!