Long chain fatty acids (triglycerides) are known to greatly increase with the consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates.  This high level of triglycerides is a risk factor in coronary heart disease. Too many triglycerides causes inflammation that leads to ischemia, i.e. insufficient blood flow and oxygenation for heart muscle.

This risk increase, in the study followed by alternatives doctor Russell Blaylock, was 260%. When triglyceride levels were high the good (HDL) cholesterol diminished and increased ischemic heart disease; it skyrocketed by more than two and a half times.

The original study was  reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2005.  Increased ischemia and blood inflammation was associated with increased insulin resistance… causing metabolic syndrome.  What this means is the extra sugar and high level of carbohydrates caused glucose to accumulate in the blood along with extra insulin; both factors are a cause of inflammation.

Inflammation interferes with circulation and causes accumulation of dangerous atherosclerotic plaque that decreases artery lumen size, elevating blood pressure and increasing heart attack and stroke. Merely reducing the symptom of high blood pressure with drugs did not significantly reduce the heart attack and stroke.

The consumption of a diet with 60% carbohydrates versus 40% resulted in lowered good (HDL) cholesterol, increased blood insulin, and the development of metabolic syndrome…the precursor of diabetes II.  The American Diabetes Association says that 65% of all diabetics with ultimately die of heart disease…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: ischemic heart disease, metabolic syndrome, triglycerides