The Heart Foundation of Jamaica - Risks for your heart

	EXCESSIVE FAT IN THE DIET (HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS) Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance that is found in your body’s cells and also in certain animal-based foods. The cholesterol and saturated fats you eat may raise your blood cholesterol level leading to an increased risk for heart disease. The good news is that you can take steps to control your level. Cholesterol and other fats cannot be dissolved in your blood. To travel to your cells they use a special carrier called lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the “bad kind.” Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood results in an increase of 'cholesterol plaques' on the inner walls of your arteries, which carry blood to the tissues. This can cause a blood clot, block the blood flow to your heart, and cause a heart attack or stroke. The “good kind,” on the other hand, is called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It carries harmful cholesterol away from the arteries and helps protect you from a heart attack. It is better to have a lot of HDL cholesterol in your blood. Regular activity helps to increase your HDL. DIABETES Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body is unable to keep the blood sugar level within normal range, due to an inadequate action or lack of insulin. When starches are digested they break down into a sugar called glucose, which the body uses for energy. Without insulin the body cannot extract the energy from glucose. EXCESSIVE SALT IN DIET Many people with high blood pressure find that cutting down on sodium lowers their blood pressure. Sodium is linked to high blood pressure, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The recommendation is to eat less than 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. That’s one teaspoon of salt per day added to the diet.Most Jamaicans eat 2-5 teaspoons of salt per day, which adds up to 12,000 mg. Too much!

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