GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER: LDL AND HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN (TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT HEART HEALTH)

Abstract

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. The heart and blood vessels work together to supply blood flow to every part of the body. Obstruction to the cardiovascular system results in the number one leading cause of death, heart disease. Excessive amounts of cholesterol in the circulatory system is considered one of the major causes of CVD. LDL-C (low density lipoproteins) particles are the lipids responsible for delivering excess cholesterol from the liver to the tissues and arteries. Therefore, high levels of LDL-C poses a major risk in terms of developing heart disease in the future. Although women are diagnosed with heart disease at a later age than men, the burden is much more significant. This is likely due to the fact that after menopause, women no longer experience protection from estrogen. However, data also suggests that post-menopausal women suffer from an increase in LDL-C levels. For that reason, it is reasonable to claim that the additional burden women experience from CVD is not only due to lack of estrogen but is also a result of an increase in their LDL-C levels. This literature review begins with a detailed overview of the cardiovascular system, followed by in-depth analysis of women's LDL trends from adolescence to adulthood. To conclude, I will suggest beneficial lifestyle modifications for women and discuss the importance of adhering to healthy habits throughout adolescence.