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.

blood pressure and kidneys
High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
Reviews high blood pressure and the effect it has on the kidneys. Discusses signs of kidney damage and ways to prevent it. Information on high-risk

Your Kidneys and How They Work
High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys. They can slowly destroy kidney function. Blood pressure control is important

Blood pressure and kidney disease
The kidneys have a major influence on blood pressure and it is particularly important to monitor blood pressure whenever kidney disease is suspected.

High Blood Pressure Related Kidney Disease, Symptoms, Risk, Causes
Learn about high blood pressure related kidney disease. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys and is one of the leading causes of kidney failure.

Secondary high blood pressure: When another condition causes
In fact, diabetic nephropathy is the most common type of kidney failure â” which is nearly always associated with high blood pressure.

AKF: High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
One in every three U.S. adults has high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Kidney and Blood Pressure Research
Karger is a medical publisher, scientific publisher and biomedical publisher of print and online journals and books.

High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
Your blood pressure is closely related to the health of your kidneys. Your kidneys play a role in keeping your blood pressure at the right level.

Kidneys and Kidney Function
Body fluid volumes, which are regulated by the kidneys, are related to blood volume and the blood pressure in your arteries.

The Kidney Foundation - High Blood Pressure & Your Kidneys
In people with diabetes, blood pressure should be less than 130/80. For some people with kidney disease, even lower blood pressures are ideal.

Gender Differences In Blood Pressure And Kidney Damage Under Study
While men and women both get high blood pressure and related kidney disease, the path to get there is shorter, steeper and just different for men,


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