The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman Heart Health - Fat Matters!
Apr 19, 2021
Challenging the belief that saturated fats cause blockages in blood vessels, the podcast delves into the role of foam cells and oxidized lipids in atherosclerosis. It explores the importance of balancing omega fatty acids in the diet and reevaluates the role of LDL in heart health and immunity. The impact of oils on inflammation, the significance of coronary artery calcium scores, and the influence of money in medical decisions are also discussed.
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Plaque Formation Mystery
- The exact process of atherosclerotic plaque formation remains unknown, despite it being a leading cause of death.
- Current understanding focuses on plaque composition, including fats and foam cells, but lacks a complete picture of the development process.
Foam Cells and Inflammation
- Foam cells, fat-laden macrophages, play a crucial role in atherosclerosis.
- These macrophages engulf oxidized LDL cholesterol, secreting inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein.
Altered LDL and Macrophages
- Macrophages do not consume native LDL cholesterol.
- Only altered LDL, such as oxidized LDL, triggers macrophages to engulf it.