The hottest Atherosclerosis Substack posts right now

A new paper claims that the amino acid leucine can stimulate atherosclerosis by stimulating mTOR in immune cells, in a manner similar to its role in muscle growth.
Higher protein intake may lead to adverse effects on vascular health, especially in terms of atherosclerosis development.
The study highlights a potential downside of excessive mTOR stimulation due to leucine intake, emphasizing the importance of cycling through feeding and fasting states for optimal health.

New reports show long-lasting effects of COVID-19 on health at the 2-year mark.
Severe COVID-19 cases lead to worse outcomes and long-term impact compared to mild cases.
Long COVID remains a significant concern, with uncertain long-term health implications like autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis.

The term 'lipid hypothesis' originated in 1976 as a testable prediction that high blood cholesterol levels correlate with heart disease risk.
The lipid hypothesis predates the diet-heart hypothesis by decades and focuses on cholesterol's role without claiming exclusivity, also considering factors like inflammation and hormones.
A proposal suggests differentiating between the 'infiltrative lipid hypothesis' focusing on cholesterol quantity and the 'degenerative lipid hypothesis' emphasizing lipid degeneration's role in atherosclerosis.

The JUPITER trial emphasizes that atherosclerosis is a disease of oxidative degeneration, confirming the link between oxidative damage and heart disease.
The study does not strongly support the widespread use of statins, as the benefits do not justify the costs for most individuals.
CRP plays a role in binding oxidized LDL and facilitating its uptake by the immune system, providing insight into the inflammatory processes of atherosclerosis.

Rho activation, linked to stress response, may be more harmful than cholesterol itself
Statins, often known for lowering cholesterol, inhibit not just cholesterol but also important compounds like coenzyme Q10
Inflammation can increase cholesterol levels and activate Rho, impacting nitric oxide synthesis and contributing to atherosclerosis

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The traditional belief that high cholesterol from foods causes heart disease is a myth; the real issue is the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
Atherosclerosis is driven by the degeneration of lipids that infiltrate the blood vessel wall, leading to inflammation and plaque formation.
Factors that can help prevent atherosclerosis include increasing antioxidants, reducing intake of polyunsaturated fats, and improving the utilization of LDL cholesterol.

The book arguing against the mainstream theory of heart disease destroys the diet-heart hypothesis and questions the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
The idea that atherosclerosis is 'good for you' is debunked, with explanations of why it is not a beneficial process in the body.
The book brings up the importance of analyzing different evidence and viewpoints on cholesterol, PUFA, and heart disease to get a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.