CHOLESTEROL AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS IMAGES

Thermogram of a hand Thermal infrared allows us to see thermal energy or radiation – more commonly known as heat. The different colours here represent different levels of thermal energy being emitted from the skin’s surface (and the sleeve’s). The yellow and orange colours show the high thermal energy expected in a hand with healthy blood flow. This imaging technology can show blood flow through various parts of the body and so can be used to find areas of unhealthy blood flow and possible atherosclerosis. CC BY NC Credit: Thermal Vision Research/Wellcome Images CC BY NC BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Pure cholesterol crystal BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM Cholesterol is chemically a lipid (or fat), and is transported around the body in the form of high- or low-density lipoproteins (known as HDL and LDL cholesterol). Although cholesterol is important for many of the body’s functions, a high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. This photograph was produced using a unique lighting effect created by special cross-polarisation filters. CC BY NC Credit: Wellcome ImagesCC BY NC

Cholesterol The liver produces around 1–2 grams of cholesterol a day. Cholesterol is necessary to produce vitamin D, steroid hormones and bile acids, as well as being an important component of cell membranes. However, a high level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood may increase the chance of cardiovascular disease and, hence, premature death. CC BY NC Credit: Wellcome Images CC BY NC

Atherosclerotic plaque A photomicrograph showing the lipid deposit of plaque in an artery. This kind of atheromatous plaque will, if unable to heal or left untreated, rupture or continue to build and narrow the artery further, leading to a heart attack or stroke. CC BY NC Credit: Wellcome Images CC BY NC BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Rupture of a plaque Photomicrograph showing the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in an artery. Atherosclerotic plaques form because of interactions between cells of the artery wall and leucocytes (white blood cells). CC BY NC Credit: Wellcome Images CC BY NC BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Abdominal aortic aneurysm An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dangerous condition caused by the weakening of the wall of the large artery that travels down the body from the heart. Once the wall is weakened it is liable to rupture under the influence of factors such as high blood pressure. Measuring aneurysm stress may help to identify patients at risk who could benefit from early surgery to prevent such a disaster. The areas of greatest stress in this silicon model are highlighted in red, and the spots on the image show tiny reflective markers that are part of the measurement technique. People with abdominal aortic aneurysms also often have atherosclerosis (blockage of the arteries by plaques) in their arms and legs, although it’s unclear whether atherosclerosis makes abdominal aortic aneurysm more likely or whether the two simply have common risk factors. CC BY NC Credit: Arindam Choudhuri/Wellcome Images BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Traditional cooked English breakfast Exclusive A cooked breakfast typically includes foods such as sausages, fried eggs, bacon and black pudding. Fried foods like these contain high levels of saturated and trans fats, which, if consumed often, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. CC BY NC Credit: Wellcome Images CC BY NC BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Woman taking a statin A woman taking a simvastatin tablet. This is a type of statin, a drug that helps to reduce the levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides (fat) in the blood. Statins also increase the amount of “good” HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. CC BY NC Credit: Libby Welch/Wellcome Images CC BY NC BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Fish oil capsules BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM Liver oils found in fish are high in omega-3 fats. These fats can help reduce triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood and so decrease a person’s risk of stroke and heart attacks. CC BY NC Credit: Libby Welch/Wellcome Images CC BY NC

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