Author: Tosha Studmire

LDL Cholesterol

What is LDL cholesterol? LDL (low-density lipoprotein) helps carry cholesterol from from your liver to other cells in your body.  The body needs cholesterol to build cells, make hormones, and carry out other tasks. But if there’s too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can build up on the walls of blood vessels. This… Continue reading LDL Cholesterol

High Blood Pressure

What is high blood pressure? High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the blood puts too much pressure on the walls of the blood vessels. By putting stress on the blood vessels and heart, high blood pressure can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.  Is high blood pressure genetic?  Genetics… Continue reading High Blood Pressure

Coronary Artery Disease

What is coronary artery disease? Coronary artery disease, sometimes called CAD, is a type of heart disease typically caused by the buildup of plaque inside the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are important because they are the major blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood.  When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries,… Continue reading Coronary Artery Disease

Atrial Fibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation, sometimes called AFib or AF, is a common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. It happens when the two upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat irregularly.  Normally, the atria pump blood into the two lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) at a steady beat and… Continue reading Atrial Fibrillation

Fear of Public Speaking & Genetics

How it works  When the brain senses a threat in the environment, a part of the brain called the amygdala responds by activating the “fight or flight” response. This response includes many biological changes, like a faster heart rate and increased blood flow to the brain. Studies have found that when speaking in front of… Continue reading Fear of Public Speaking & Genetics

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Categorized as Traits

MUTYH-Associated Polyposis

What is MUTYH-associated polyposis?  MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) is a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome. People with MAP tend to develop colon and rectal polyps and have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. They may also have a slightly increased risk of developing certain other cancers. The genetics behind MUTYH-associated polyposis Most colorectal cancers start as… Continue reading MUTYH-Associated Polyposis