Define triglycerides, homocysteine, and C - reactive protein, and explain their relation to coronary heart disease.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Responses will vary; triglycerides are also known as free fatty acids. They make up most of the fat in our diet and most of the fat that circulates in our blood. Triglycerides speed up plaque formation in the arteries. They are manufactured mainly in the liver from refined sugars, starches, and alcohol. Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be found in the blood and is thought to enhance the formation of plaque and subsequent blockage of the arteries. To body uses homocysteine to build proteins but when homocysteine accumulates in the blood, it damages the inner lining of arteries, encourages clotting, and contributes to plaque formation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is monitored in the body because its levels in the blood increase with inflammation. CRP is a major risk factor for heart attacks even when cholesterol levels are normal or low and arterial plaque is minimal. CRP levels can be elevated for years and people with elevated levels have twice the risk for heart attack.