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Risk factors - Cholesterol
Cholesterol

Articles on cholesterol and its effects on the heart
Risk factors - Smoking
Smoking

Why and how smoking damages the heart
Risk factors - Exercise / Other
Exercise / Other

Information on other risk factors

aging changes in vital signs
alcohol
- Alcohol is a class of chemical compounds containing hydroxyl, or oxygen-hydrogen, groups.
antioxidants
- Antioxidants are specific vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. They help protect your body from certain health problems. Antioxidants help protect against cancer, artery and heart disease, arthritis, and cataracts. Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and selenium are the antioxidants that have been studied the most.
aortic regurgitation
arrhythmias
- An arrhythmia of the heart is an abnormality of the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. The arrhythmia is caused by a disturbance of the normal electrical activity within the heart.
atrial fibrillation
- Atrial (ay-tree-all) fibrillation (fib-rill-ay-shun) is an abnormal rhythm in the heart that can lead to fast and uneven heart rates.
atrial flutter
- Atrial flutter is a very rapid, regular heart beat that starts in the atria, or upper chambers of the heart.
bacterial pericarditis
- The pericardium is a sac-like structure that surrounds the heart. Inflammation of the heart sac, called pericarditis, can be due to infections caused by bacteria.
balanced diet
- A balanced diet is one that includes the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for all the essential nutrients including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet supports normal growth and development and good health.
blood flow studies
- This test measures blood flow through an artery or vein.
blood glucose tests
- Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the amount of glucose circulating in the blood. Glucose is another name for sugar and is an important energy source for the body. The body forms glucose when it breaks down the foods that are eaten. For example, bread or cereal is not in a form of energy that the body can use. The body converts these foods into a useable form, glucose.
blood pressure test
- This test measures the force that blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the arteries.
body mass index
- Body mass index (BMI) is a standard used to judge body fatness. It is determined by dividing an individual's weight (in kilograms) by an individual's height (in metres) squared.
carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are compounds composed of sugars. They come from the starchy part of plant foods. They easily covert to sugar in the body. For this reason, carbohydrates are considered "fast fuel."
carotid endarterectomy
- Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a procedure used to remove a blockage in the carotid artery to prevent a stroke from occurring. The carotid arteries are blood vessels located in the neck that supply blood to the brain. There is one carotid artery on each side of the neck. When these vessels become narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the brain is reduced. This can lead to a stroke.
cholesterol test
diet and calories
- Food supplies kilojoules which are units of energy. The body burns kilojoules to stay alive and to move. Kilojoules are a way of measuring the potential energy in foods. They also measure the amount of energy the body uses. There are only 3 nutrients that provide kilojoules in food: fat, protein, and carbohydrate. These 3 nutrients make up foods in all of the major food groups. Some foods have 1, 2 or all 3 of these nutrients. Even though it is not a nutrient, alcohol has kilojoules too.
constrictive pericarditis
- The sac of fibrous tissues that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. Constrictive pericarditis results from scarring of this lining. The scar encases the heart and may limit its ability to pump blood.
ECG
- An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG, is a graphic record of the heart's electrical activity. Doctors use it to help diagnose heart disease. They can also use it to monitor how well different heart medications are working.
coronary artery disease
coronary risk factors
diet for diabetes
- Diabetes mellitus, often called diabetes, is a condition that affects the body's ability to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the body.
diet for kidney disease
- A diet for kidney disease helps makes up for what the kidneys cannot do because they are not working properly. This diet may limit: protein, a nutrient containing nitrogen fluid sodium, a part of salt potassium, a nutrient important for muscle functioning phosphorous, a mineralHow does the nutrient affect the body?
dietary fat
- Dietary fat is the fat that is found in food. Fat is one of three main nutrients in food. The other two are carbohydrate and protein. There are three types of natural fats found in foods. These are mono-unsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats. Most foods contain all three fats in different amounts. The body can use all three types of fat.
familial combined hyperlipidaemia
- Familial combined hyperlipidaemia is an inherited disease that causes high levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood.
familial hypercholesterolaemia
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited disease that causes high cholesterol levels.
fast foods
- The term "fast food" generally refers to the type of restaurants that sell quick, inexpensive take-away food, but even supermarkets now offer quick and easy food choices. Fast food is often laden with extra kilojoules, saturated fat and sodium. It is possible, however, for quick meals to be nutritious. With the growing interest in a healthy diet, vendors of fast food are starting to provide more healthy choices.
fruits and vegetables
fruits and vegetables - What food source is the nutrient found in? - Fruits and vegetables are good sources of many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other plant chemicals. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables has many advantages. -...
heart murmur
- A heart murmur is an extra, unexpected, or abnormal sound that is caused by the flow of blood through the heart.
glucose tolerance test
- This test is primarily used to measure how well the body can use, or metabolise, glucose. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the body.
HDL
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a type of cholesterol that is carried in the blood. An HDL test determines the level of HDL cholesterol in the blood. It is done to evaluate a person's risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is found only in the blood stream. It is not the same as dietary cholesterol found in food.
heart attack
Hunter syndrome
- Hunter syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes a protein called mucopolysaccharide to build up in body tissues. This damages the tissues and leads to the symptoms.
heart disease
high cholesterol
- High cholesterol is an excessive level of cholesterol in the blood. Hyperlipidaemia is a more general term for high levels of different kinds of fats in the blood. These can result from a diet high in total fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol. Both conditions may also occur as inherited forms.
Holter monitor
LDL
- This test measures the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood.
Let's Get Physical!
Let's Get Physical! - The family that exercises together stays together. HealthAnswers checks out games that will give a good stretch to the ties that bind! - Dr Michael Chia - Assistant Professor & Exercise Physiologist - School of...
magnesium in diet
- Magnesium is a major mineral that is involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body.
mitral regurgitation, chronic
- Chronic mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve in the heart fails to close tightly. This allows some oxygen-rich blood to flow back into the heart rather than out into the body.
mitral stenosis
- Mitral stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the mitral valve, which is one of the heart valves. This "tight" valve obstructs the flow of blood within the heart.
mitral valve prolapse
- The mitral valve consists of small leaflets of tissue that separate the heart's left atrium, which receives blood from the lungs, and left ventricle, which pumps blood to the rest of the body. Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which the mitral valve balloons back into the left atrium when the heart pumps. About 3% to 5% of the population has mitral valve prolapse. Women are affected more often than men.
mobility impairment
- Mobility impairment can include any or all of the following: inability to move about as easily as others limited movement of arms or legs decrease in strength or control of the muscles and bones abnormal or impaired co-ordination medical condition requiring bed rest What is the information for this topic?
noisy breathing in adults
- Noisy breathing in adults is a common condition, usually caused by a blockage in the air passages.
obstructive sleep apnea
palpitations
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
peripheral arterial disease
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - 08 February 2000 -- Dr Ng Min Ching - General Practioner - The human body requires lipids (fats) in its daily functions. Most of these lipids are derived from or contain fatty acids. Fatty acids are either ingested...
phytoestrogens
pulmonary edema
pulse rate
rapid heartbeat
Raynaud's phenomenon
physical exam schedule
salad and nutrients
- From a dietary standpoint, salads come in many forms. Just because it is called a salad does not mean that it is healthy and nutritious. It is possible to create a healthy meal from a salad bar. But it is also easy to make unhealthy choices and select many items high in kilojoules and fat.
salt imbalance
saturated fat
- Australians consume too much fat in their diet. On average, Australians get 35-37 percent of their kilojoules from fat. High-fat diets, especially saturated fats, are linked to high blood cholesterol levels and heart disease. High-fat diets can also increase risk for obesity and cancer. The Dietary Guidelines for Australians recommend "eating a diet low in fat, and in particular, low in saturated fat".
selenium in diet
- Selenium is an essential mineral that works as part of an important antioxidant enzyme. The body only needs a very small amount of selenium. The amount is measured in micrograms (mcg). The highest concentrations of selenium in the body are found in the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen.
slow heartbeat
potassium
- Potassium is one of the electrolyte minerals. It is important in maintaining the body's acid-base and fluid balance. Potassium works very closely with sodium and chloride, which are also electrolyte minerals. These three minerals are in all fluids of the body. Potassium is found in fluids within cells. The other two are found in fluids outside of cells.
sodium
- Sodium is an electrolyte mineral. It helps maintain a fluid and acid-base balance in the body.
stress
- Stress is any factor in a person's life that causes change. It can include emotional, physical, social or economic pressures.
stress and Aged
- Stress is the wear and tear on the body caused by constant adjustment to an individual's changing environment. Anything that causes change in our life causes stress. There are many changes going on in the lives of the elderly.
stress and men
- Stress is the "wear and tear" the body goes through as it adjusts to the constantly changing environment. Anything that causes change in a person's life causes stress. Stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute stress is the reaction to an immediate threat. This is commonly known as the "fight or flight" response. The threat can be any situation that is seen as a danger. Common short-term stressors include: noise crowding being isolated from others illness hunger danger infection Imagining a threat or remembering a dangerous event can also evoke a stress response. Modern life frequently results in ongoing stressful situations. These may include: difficult work or personal situations loneliness financial worries the recent death of a family member or loved one a move to a new home or change in job physical illness, especially long-term conditions difficulty sleeping or inability to obtain enough sleepWhat is the information for this topic?
stroke
stroke from carotid stenosis
sweeteners
thoracic aortic aneurysm
- An aneurysm is an abnormal widening of a blood vessel. In this case, the blood vessel is in the aorta. This is the main blood vessel that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The thoracic aorta is the part of the aorta that travels through the chest.
thromboembolism
tobacco use: smoking and smokeless tobacco
trans fats
transient ischemic attack
triglyceride level
triglycerides
- Triglycerides are the common type of fat found in food and in the body. They make up 95% of dietary fat. They contain saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats in different mixtures. Triglycerides occur naturally in foods. The liver also makes them when excess kilojoules are present. They are transported and stored in the body's fat tissue.
type 1 diabetes mellitus
type 2 diabetes mellitus
unsaturated fat
unstable angina
- Unstable angina is a condition more serious than stable angina and less serious than an actual heart attack. Stable angina is chest pain from a temporary decrease in oxygen to the heart that is caused by exertion and goes away with rest. A heart attack is a prolonged decrease in oxygen to the heart that results in permanent damage to the heart.
Useful Links
National Heart Foundation of Australia - Live Healthier Live Longer - S.A.D.S: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome - Long QT Syndrome support site - Nutrition Australia - Australian Council on Smoking and Health - ASH Australia - OxyGen:...
vegetarianism
ventricular tachycardia
vitamin E and heart disease
- Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. One of the roles fat plays in the diet is to transport fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin E is carried through the body attached to fat. The body stores vitamin E in fat deposits and in the liver.
Vitamin Junkies
Vitamin Junkies - October 30, 2001 - She wakes up in the morning and takes a stress-relief multi and a vitamin C super-dose before going to the gym. He whizzes up a "vitamin" shake and races off to work. Mid-morning she downs another...
VLDL
walking and health
Weaning Children Away From Junk Food
Weaning Children Away From Junk Food - 21 February 2000 -- For many parents, helping kids to develop healthy eating habits is a struggle, and with more women working full time even health-conscious parents are finding it easy to slip up...
vision changes
weight lifting and weight control
visual impairment
weight management
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
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