Guide To Understanding Cholesterol And What Causes Levels To Rise

Smoking

Smoking has a serious, measured effect on an individual's cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health. Smokers are much more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than non-smokers. One of the biggest reasons for this is the acrolein in cigarettes. This substance affects low-density lipoprotein cholesterol because it inhibits the body from creating protective enzymes that can keep LDL cholesterol intact. This makes low-density lipoprotein cholesterol more vulnerable to an oxidation process. If LDL cholesterol becomes oxidized, its chemical structure changes until the body's immune system no longer recognizes it. This causes the immune system to release inflammatory substances and white blood cells at the site of the oxidized LDL cholesterol. In turn, this leads to more buildup of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and clogging at the oxidized site. Research studies have shown if individuals have high levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol in their blood, they have a much higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke or heart attack. Smoking has an even greater effect if individuals have a genetic predisposition toward heart disease and cardiovascular illness.

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