Atherosclerosis and LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)

In this video, I will explain the steps that lead to the formation of atherosclerosis plaque in the wall of arteries, including the oxidation of LDL entered in the artery wall and formation of oxidized LDL cholesterol (harmful cholesterol), phagocytosis of LDL cholesterol by macrophages and formation of foam cells, and ultimately bursting/lysis of foam cells and formation of atherosclerosis plaques. To describe the steps, I will explain the formation of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) by liver cells, and how after removal of large lipids a percentage of left particles in blood converts into low density lipoproteins (LDLs), removal of LDLs from blood by tissue cells, which is affected by the number of LDL receptors in the membrane of tissue cells and the amount of cholesterol and fat consumed in diet. I will describe the health issues that might arise from formation of plaque including coronary artery disease and heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and include some practical approaches to reduce the blood cholesterol level and the risk of plaque formation, while indicating the desirable LDL level in blood, measured in a blood test, and the recommended amount of cholesterol consumption per day.