Progression Of Atherosclerosis

[postlink]http://abcheart.blogspot.com/2011/05/progression-of-atherosclerosis.html?m=0[/postlink]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-oZjSKLBRwendofvid
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Atherosclerosis is the process where cholesterol gets deposited in blood vessels. There are different types of cholesterol in the body. It is important to know that the main culprit is the low density lipoprotein (LDL) which helps cholesterol deposition in the blood vessel. The high density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol as it scavenges the lipid out of the body. The LDL can penetrate the layers of blood vessels. Since it is very low in density it can get deposited in the deeper layers of blood vessels and form a plaque. 

There are different types of blood cells in our body. One type of blood cell called monocyte becomes the macrophage in the tissues. The function of the macrophage is to fight any foreign material. The macrophage engulfs the LDL. Once the macrophage is saturated with LDL it bursts open releasing the fat content. In an attempt to heal, there is fibrous deposition over the fat content. When the fat content progressively increases the fibrous cap breaks open releasing the contents of the plaque. The red cells and platelets get stuck to the ruptured plaque and forms a blood clot. the clot progressively increases in size and occludes the artery completely. When the artery is completely occluded, the blood supply to the heart is completely cut off. 

This clearly explains that we have a long latent period to intervene and prevent heart disease.

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