What is Cholesterol?Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Because cholesterol is synthesized by all eukaryotes, trace amounts of cholesterol are also found in membranes of plants and fungi.The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol, as researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones by Francois Poulletier de la Salle in 1769. However, it is only in 1815 that chemist Eugene Chevreul named the compound "cholesterine".[2]Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body and some has dietary origin. Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes, such as the composition of cell membranes and the synthesis of steroid hormones. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins. The main types, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry cholesterol from and to the liver.According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). This disease process leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease. As high LDL contributes to this process, it is termed "bad cholesterol", while high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") offer a degree of protection. The balance can be redressed with exercise, a healthy diet, and sometimes medication. |
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High blood pressure - Revolution Health Blood Pressure (Diastolic Blood Pressure, Systolic Blood Pressure) information center covers description, preparation, risks, expectations, WebMD Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Center - Find high blood The heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted on the artery walls by the pumping blood. Hypertension - high blood pressure - Better Health Channel. Revolution Health is a trusted source for high blood pressure information, covering symptoms, causes, risks, treatments and types. eMedicine Health - High Blood Pressure Consumer health resource center providing an overview of hypertension and its causes, symptoms and treatment. MedlinePlus: High Blood Pressure High Blood Pressure From the National Institutes of Health . Return to top; Health Check Tools. High Blood Pressure Quiz: Are You at Risk? High Blood Pressure Health Risk Calculator Find in-depth high blood pressure and hypertension information including its causes, symptoms, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Health Center What Is High Blood Pressure? High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmhg or higher. US Department of Health & Human Services * National Institutes of Health High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and Related Information on High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure or tension in the arteries. MedicineNet provides reliable doctor produced health and medical Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure below normal. Is low blood pressure bad for your health? What are low blood pressure |
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