How Does Trans Fat Affect You?

Many people consider trans fats to be the worst type of fats, which can simultaneously raise your “bad” cholesterol and lower your “good” cholesterol. But what about this type of fat makes it so unhealthy? In combination with a low HDL or “good” cholesterol level, high LDL or “bad” cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among both men and women.

It is believed that the body treats trans fats like saturated fats; the addition of hydrogen to oil increases your cholesterol more than other types of fat, making it more difficult to digest. At one time, trans fats were considered good because they enhanced food shelf life, improved texture and even flavor of many processed foods. When trans fats travel through your digestive system to your arteries, it can promote a buildup of plaque, which can lead to a number of heart and health risks.

Among the biggest health risks is heart disease, which has a number of symptoms including:

  • Abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias

  • Chest pain

  • Lightheadedness

  • Dizziness

  • Shortness of breath

Many arrhythmias arise from some sort of heart disease; Atherosclerosis for example, which is when the arteries become clogged with fatty deposits, can lead to bradycardia, or a slower heart rate, and can lead to tachycardia, or a faster-than-normal heart rate. Cardiac monitoring solutions can help diagnose abnormal heart rhythms which can lead to quicker diagnoses.

How do you look for trans fat in foods? Another term for trans fat is “partially hydrogenated” vegetable oil and can be found in many foods on grocery store shelves. Some restaurants continue to use trans fats, mainly in the oil that is used to fry foods. Monounsaturated fats, such as olive or canola oil, is a healthier option than saturated fats. Other foods with monounsaturated fats include nuts, fish, and other food containing omega-3’s.

ReactDx specializes in cardiac monitoring solutions that help doctors observe arrhythmias and make diagnoses. Contact us today at 800-23-HEART to find out more about our cardiac monitoring solutions that can help you live a healthier life.

Jodi is a seasoned Human Resources professional who thrives on change and transformation. She fell in love with Human Resources when she attended Penn State University for graduate school in Public Administration with a curriculum that emphasized Human Resources. After earning her Master’s degree she began her career in the manufacturing industry in Talent Acquisition and was eventually assigned the overall HR Management responsibility of three divisions which included collective bargaining. Ultimately, she made her way to transitioning a new division of a Fortune 100 company under the corporate model as well as developing and executing Human Resources policies and procedures across a broad range of functional disciplines. At the next juncture of her career, she was tapped on the shoulder by former Executives that she previously worked with to join in on an exciting start-up. Today, Jodi is the Vice President of Talent Relations and Development for Medicomp Inc dba ReactDx and is responsible for managing the strategic Human Resources function which includes mergers and acquisitions for this rapidly expanding company.

Jodi and her husband enjoy landscaping, finding new restaurants and traveling whenever life gives them the opportunity.

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