Unit 12
Cardiovascular Diseases

In this unit, we examine the role of diet in coronary heart disease (CHD), particularly the dietary factors that influence blood LDL cholesterol, oxidized LDL, development of thrombi (blood clots), and hypertension. Cardiovascular disease is common in Canadians—over six large busloads of people die every day from heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Heart disease makes up over 10% of annual health care costs in Canada.

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. discuss the relationship between dietary factors and the blood level of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride.
2. discuss the role of diet and lifestyle in the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
3. discuss diet-related factors that affect the development of hypertension.