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.  HDL seems to remove excess cholesterol from the plaques which build up in one’s blood vessels, thereby inhibiting or slowing their growth.  This is what makes it so important to the human body.  Approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the cholesterol in our bodies is carried by the HDL.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the major transporters of cholesterol in our blood.  One can experience a build up on the walls of the arteries which supply blood to our hearts and brains, if too much LDL enters the blood stream.  When combined with other substances, it forms plaques.  Plaques are hard, thick coatings that can clog one’s arteries and decrease blood flow to the heart or the brain.  Should the blood not move swiftly enough, there is danger of a blood clot forming near the plaques.  When this occurs in the arteries leading to the heart, one is at greater risk of a heart attack.  If it happens in the arteries which lead to one’s brain, there is a higher risk of stroke.

If one’s LDL level is 160 mg/dL or higher, this is an indication of a greater risk of heart disease.  And if one has already been diagnosed with heart disease, it is strongly recommended that one maintain a level of less than 100 mg/dL.

A little known (by the general population) lipoprotein that can also cause a greater risk is the Lp(a) cholesterol lipoprotein.  This is a generic variation of plasma (the “fluid” which carries the blood cells through one’s blood stream) LDL.  When one’s Lp(a) level is higher, one can more quickly develop the plaque build up which physicians and specialists refer to as “arthersclerosis”.

Although there has been no conclusive evidence drawn as to WHY Lp(a) contributes to the increased risk of heart disease, it is commonly believed that the natural lesions which occur in our artery walls may contain substances that interact with it.  This may lead to the build up of the fatty deposits.

From Where Do We Get Cholesterol?
The general consensus is that the human body is capable of producing the cholesterol that one needs to remain healthy.  The body – most especially the liver – produces roughly 1,000 mg per day.  Therefore the cholesterol consumed (by the average person eating the typical foods such as whole milk dairy products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish and seafood) is not really necessary to maintain the healthy level which one needs.

Two of the biggest culprits which contribute to the excessive consumption of cholesterol are transfats and saturated fats.  But other fats consumed in foods can also raise blood cholesterol.  While some of the excess fat is removed from the body by the liver, most heart specialists recommend that the average person limit himself/herself to less than 300 mg daily.  And if one has been diagnosed with heart disease, that level should be less than 200 mg daily.  If one has been diagnosed with extremely high cholesterol, even more drastic measures may be necessary to bring it under control.

How Do I Control My Intake?
A proven and accepted measure of control is to limit one’s intake to no more that 6 ounces of lean meat/fish/poultry daily, and to consume only low fat/no fat dairy products.  Effective substitutes for the protein necessary for good health can be found in beans and vegetables with high protein content.

It is also recommended that one adopt a regular exercise regimen.  Even a moderate amount of daily activity can help to increase the movement of blood through one’s body.  Physical activities such as leisurely walking, gardening, light yard work, housework and slow dancing are often prescribed as ideally suited for those who need a daily routine to help control the cholesterol levels.

A more intense regimen can include brisk walking, jogging, swimming and weight-lifting.  Aerobic exercising is an excellent way to increase one’s breathing and heart rates.

Side benefits of a regularly scheduled exercise program can include weight control, reducing one’s risk of developing diabetes, and helping to keep one’s blood pressure at a healthy level.  Regular moderate to intense exercise can also help to strengthen one’s heart and lungs.

To Smoke or Not to Smoke…
Most physicians and specialists recommend that no one smoke.  And it has been proven that tobacco smoking increases the risk factors heart disease.  One’s intake of oxygen, which is a necessary component for good vascular circulation and health, is drastically reduced.  Plus, smoking is detrimental to HDL cholesterol levels and increases the possibility of blood clots, not to mention the risks of causing cancer in one’s body.

The Effects of Alcohol on Cholesterol Levels
The moderate consumption of alcohol has shown, in some studies, to actually promote higher HDL cholesterol levels.  With that said one must weigh the risks of alcoholism, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, and sometimes depression.  Exercise moderation (not more than 1-2 drinks daily for men, not more than 1 drink daily for women).  And if you don’t drink, don’t start.  There are better and safer alternatives for controlling one’s cholesterol.

Consult your physician or health care provider before embarking on any exercise regimen, or the consumption of alcohol, as a method to control one’s cholesterol.  He or she can direct you to what steps you need to take in order to ensure the best results for your efforts.

Have an annual screening (usually a blood drawing) to determine your cholesterol levels.  Be sure to discuss family history and other issues which your doctor may want to know before deciding whether or not you should be checked for the Lp(a) lipoproteins.  He or she can better determine your risks, the diagnosis, and possible treatment (which may include prescription medication) when fully informed.

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.
Cord blood stem cells, on the other hand, are very easy to remove. Because the process is completed after the child has been born and the umbilical cord cut and clamped there is no effect whatsoever on the baby, the parent or the birth itself.

How stem cells become T cells.

T cells are the cells that are responsible for fighting infection in children and are created when stem cells pass through the thymus gland. If the patient does not have an adequate number of effective stem cells in their blood then they will not be able to create the T cells. And subsequently they are much more likely to suffer serious infections. This, in turn, means that cord blood stem cells can be used to recreate T cells as well as other vital cells within the body of your child. The stem cells will then create an army of T cells to fight off infection and leave the body to function in a normal manner. As with a blood transfusion it is imperative to the operation’s success that the stem cells transfused are of the same type as the patient’s own blood. Using cord blood stem cells belonging to the patient themselves all but guarantees that this will be the case.

Stem cell testing.

The umbilical cord stem cell matrix is called Wharton’s jelly and is rich in primitive stem cells. These cells are one that has yet to progress, transform or produce other cells. Primitive stem cells are the most effective type of stem cells that can be used in a transfusion on any patient.

Typically a lot of testing has been done on animals to prove the viability of using stem cells taken from cord blood of newborn babies and amongst the most prominent of these tests, according to the online journal “stem cells”, have been tests carried out on pigs.  In a human blood cord, similar to a pig umbilical cord, two arteries & vein are found and tests have shown positive results concerned with the storage and potency of the blood. The journal “stem cells” contains a lot of data relating to stem cells and articles on various related topics.

At present leukemia and anemia are the two most common diseases treated with stem cell transfusions although since stem cell research has grown in volume and results diseases such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and many different forms of cancer are also showing positive results.

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.

The symptoms for individuals with this condition could include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and heart attack. Angina, or squeezing pain in the chest, is the general symptom of arteriosclerotic heart disease. This is the result once your heart is not getting sufficient blood that carries oxygen and other nutrients which the heart and other parts of the body need to function correctly.

Shortness of breath is when your heart is too weak to function because of the insufficient supply of oxygen and other nutrients. If your heart is not pumping as much as necessary blood to circulate in the body, this is manifested in shortness of breath accompanied by swollen feet and ankles. In rare cases, heart attack is the first sign of arteriosclerotic heart disease. This happens while the plaque build- up or blood clot stops the flow of blood to the coronary artery to the heart. The pain related with a heart attack is often severe, lasts longer than angina, and will not easily go away by resting or taking nitroglycerin.

If you suspect that you might have an coronary heart disease, you must see a doctor right away. The symptoms you experienced will help your doctor to decide whether you will need to be tested for heart disease. If indeed you have heart disease, you will be given treatment. The treatment for coronary artery disease differs depending on the symptoms and how much the disease has developed. The common treatments include a change in your lifestyle, medications, and surgery. A change in lifestyle would mean that you have to have a proper diet which cannot increase your cholesterol level, get involved in physical activities, and lose weight.

To stay healthy and fit is not too much of a sacrifice if it’s for your health, and most importantly for you to live longer. There’s nothing more important than having a healthy and heart disease free life.