29. Heart disease and saturated fatty acids

What is the main cause of heart disease?

Fatty deposits in coronary arteries (atherosclerosis) or high blood pressure (hypertension)

What are contributing factors to heart disease?

Diet with high saturated fatty acids, smoking, no exercise and aging

How are lipids digested generally?

When food is absorbed in the small intestine, lipids + protein combine -> lipoproteins which travel around body in blood stream

Describe the inner wall of the artery?

Has a smooth endothelium lining

Where is the atheroma deposited?

Deposited on endothelium -> reduces volume for blood flow, may completely block artery’s lumen

What happens if a diet is high in SATURATED fatty acids?

• Low density lipoproteins (LDL) build up

• Fatty material called atheroma deposited in coronary arteries -> restrict blood flow + oxygen delivery to heart tissue

What happens if atheroma is deposited in coronary arteries?

• Lack of blood flow -> can cause angina

• If coronary arteries completely blocked -> myocardial infarction or heart attack occurs

What happens if a diet is high in UNSATURATED fatty acids?

Body makes more high density lipoproteins (HDL) -> carry harmful fats to liver for disposal

What happens when there are more HDLs?

Higher ratio of HDL:LDL in blood -> lower risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease