What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that’s stored in the fat (lipid) content of one’s blood stream.  It’s actually important to have a certain amount of “good” cholesterol in one’s system. Cholesterol, and our other body fats, cannot dissolve in our blood. They must be transported by special carriers called lipoproteins. While there are numerous kinds (too many to cover here), the two that are most important are the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and the low-density lipoproteins (LDL). There is a third kind, which is referred to as Lp(a), which can increase one’s risk factors heart disease and stroke.  We’ll cover that one here, as well.

HDL, LDL, & Lp(a)…What Are These?
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as “good cholesterol”.  Most experts agree that HDL moves the cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down and leaves the body through the natural evacuation process.  A higher HDL level seems to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.  Keep in mind, though, that a lower HDL level in one’s body (-40 mg/dL in men, -50 mg d/L in women) is a warning signal of greater risk of one or both.   Continue reading →

There are news reports about the positive impact that research on cord blood stem cells is having on the possible cure for numerous life threatening diseases. But with so many varying reports about it or even factions it is impossible to keep track of all its useful facts. Stem cells show a great level of plasticity which means they can generate and regenerate into many different types of cells and even organs within in our body. Potentially, if they can be removed from the donor and transfused into the patient then in the future, stem cells could be used to cure virtually any illness.

Stem cells are more frequently found in babies or even in embryos although it has been discovered that adult stem cells do exist. To date these have mostly been found in the brain but are dispersed freely amongst millions of other cells making the extraction incredibly difficult. Continue reading →

Arteriosclerotic heart disease or coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. For both women and men alike. Present are several factors which can rise this disease and some of the risks are based on family history and others are preventable. The main risk factors heart disease could include diabetes, physical inactivity, menopause in women, obesity, tobacco use, high blood pressure, infection that cause inflammation to the artery, high cholesterol level, and many more.

Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease, is the narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This condition results from the accumulation of fatty substance and plaque. While the coronary arteries narrow, the flow of blood to your heart slows down or stops resulting in chest pain, or angina, shortness of breath, or heart attack.

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