When students are on the go, it is easy for them to eat an unhealthy meal loaded with harmful fats ““ mostly saturated and trans fats ““ which may clog blood vessels, said Dr. Brian Van Lenten, a research cardiologist at UCLA.
Avoiding foods with high amounts of harmful fats can prevent heart disease in the long run.
Michael Winston, a first-year undeclared student, said he thinks it is somewhat of a challenge to eat healthfully in college, but it can be possible.
“It just takes a self-conscious effort,” he said.
Causes of atherosclerosis
Heart problems are not necessarily associated with middle- and older-aged people.
Though clogged blood vessels are usually first detected in middle-aged individuals, national research has shown that the accumulation of fats in blood vessels could begin as early as the teenage years, and a significant amount of cholesterol could begin building up and the problem can progress, especially if an individual does not change his or her poor diet.
Atherosclerosis, a gradual buildup of cholesterol within the blood vessel, could obstruct blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Maintaining an overall high level of high-density lipoprotein and lower level of low-density lipoprotein can contribute to maintaining a healthy heart. Lipoproteins are a combination of protein and lipids, or fat.
High-density lipoprotein eliminates bad cholesterol by carrying it out of the artery walls into the liver, while low-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol into the artery wall.
Diet is only one controllable risk factor of atherosclerosis. Genetics, another main risk factor, cannot be managed, UCLA cardiologists say.
Some people are naturally more susceptible to atherosclerosis because they have less anti-inflammatory defense capability, a mechanism that makes proteins that defend against bacteria, viruses and chemicals, said Dr. Mohamad Navab, a professor and project leader of lipoprotein metabolism at the UCLA cardiology department.
Though genetics may have a negative influence, those who are more susceptible to atherosclerosis can still benefit from a healthy lifestyle and good and natural nutrition, Navab said.
Those who face genetic risks should still maintain a healthy heart program, Van Lenten said. They need to be especially diligent in following a healthy lifestyle.
A heart-healthy lifestyle
Adrian Lee, a second-year materials science student, said it is difficult to maintain a heart-healthy diet.
One has to go out of one’s way in order to get healthy food, as opposed to easier-obtained unhealthy foods, he said.
“It is pretty hard because we are restricted to the dining hall. … We can’t pick what we can eat all the time,” Lee said. “I (also) like to eat unhealthy foods. It tastes a lot better.”
Simple lifestyle changes beginning at a young age, such as changing one’s diet and adopting a regular exercise program, could slow the onset of atherosclerosis, Van Lenten said.
Solutions for a healthy heart within a busy schedule are possible. Even when people need quick meals, they can find better options than burgers and fries.
All fast-food chains should have some type of salad or wrap that can be chosen instead of a burger, Van Lenten said.
Moreover, physical activity is another important controllable factor that affects the heart.
UCLA cardiologists think that Bruins should not have a problem promoting healthy hearts through physical exercise.
Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate to high physical activity per day for a healthy heart, said Dr. Karol Watson, co-director of preventive cardiology at UCLA.
Doing more physical activity is not difficult in Los Angeles as the good weather allows Bruins to go out more often than those who live in cooler climates like the East Coast, Navab said.
At UCLA, students have great opportunities to experience exercise in a fun environment in campus events such as the Dance Marathon, said Dr. Andrew Watson, an assistant professor of medicine at the UCLA Division of Cardiology.
Everybody, including young adults, should be aware of the levels of fat and cholesterol level in their blood. National guidelines recommend blood tests at least every five years for all individuals 18 years or older, Watson said.