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 strokes
Stroke and high blood pressure - Better Health Channel.
Around 70 per cent of strokes are thought to be caused by high blood pressure (hypertension). A person with untreated hypertension is four times more likely

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High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

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Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive heart

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This brochure alerts readers to the fact that high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke. It provides clear directions for treating high blood

What Are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension?
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Lowering Blood Pressure Following Stroke May Reduce Damage
A new University of Georgia study suggests that commonly prescribed drugs used to lower blood pressure may help reduce brain damage when given within 24

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You may already know that stress can raise your blood pressure. Here's the latest information and research on how stress and high blood pressure affect your

Blood Pressure - Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Lower your risk of heart attack or stroke by controlling your high blood pressure. Take our Risk Assessment for your personal risk profile.

JAMA -- Abstract: Blood pressure after stroke, November 13, 1981
In 334 consecutive admissions for acute stroke, the blood pressure was elevated in 84% on the day of admission. The blood pressure decreased spontaneously

High Blood Pressure and Stroke
High blood pressure is an extremely powerful risk factor for having a stroke. Up to 70% of strokes can be directly attributed to the effects of high blood


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