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 checks
BBC News | G-I | High blood pressure
High blood pressure. Blood pressure check. Regular blood pressure checks are recommended. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart

Blood pressure checks for 30s and 40s
Having your blood pressure checked is a really simple and painless examination.

Blood Pressure Checks
High blood pressure can take years off your life and can cause a stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, or lead to coronary artery disease.

American Red Cross of Cortland County: Blood Services - Blood Pressure
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS. You can get your blood pressure checked for free at the following locations from 10 am to 1 pm:

Publications
When your doctor checks your blood pressure and tells you the result, she or he will say two numbers. The numbers are written one above, or before,

Blood pressure checks during Diabetes Week
This year we want even more people to take this opportunity to check their blood pressure levels - it could save their lives. Notes to Editors:

Saint Paul : Class Details
Blood Pressure Checks. Get your blood pressure checked. Sponsored by the Block Nurse Programs. Class #, :, 9704. Non Resident Fees, :, $0.00

Cardiffâ™s blood pressure checks out fine - icWales
CARDIFF has the most laid-back residents of all UK cities, if survey results out yesterday are anything to go by.

Blood Pressure Checks
Blood Pressure Checks. Fire Department personnel will take blood pressure readings at all six of our fire stations. You can stop by 7 days a week,

Health Service - Blood Pressure
Health Service will gladly check your blood pressure. For employees, there is no charge for a first time visit. In order to have your blood pressure checked

High blood pressure and children: Watch your child's weight
If your child's blood pressure is normal, routine checks during well-child visits are enough. If your child's blood pressure is slightly elevated,

Task force strongly recommends blood pressure checks - Brief
Task force strongly recommends blood pressure checks - Brief Article from AORN Journal in Health provided free by Find Articles.

Blood Pressure Checks | Ford Iroquoi Public Health Department
End Date/Time: 12/31/2007 - 4:30 PM. Location: 235 N. Taft. The Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department will give Blood Pressure checks on walk-in basis.

Blood Pressure Checks -- Ballou Recreation Program / Services
Trained staff from Ballou Recreation Center conduct FREE blood pressure and Body Mass Index checks at several locations around the city.

Regular blood-pressure checks can save your life - Article
Free blood pressure checks are provided at some public health centers, senior centers and through local screening programs. To find out about services in

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring -- Should I Check My Blood Pressure
Many patients wonder if they should be checking their blood pressure at home. Explore the pros and cons of this issue and learn why home blood pressure

Wausau Daily Herald - Fire department offers free blood pressure
Fire department offers free blood pressure checks. By Amy Olson Wausau Daily Herald aolson@wdhprint.com. WESTON -- Village residents and visitors now have a

BBC News | HEALTH | Call for yearly blood pressure checks
People with slightly raised blood pressure should have annual tests, scientists have suggested.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Patient UK
This means several blood pressure checks at intervals over time. To check to see if the high blood pressure has affected the heart.


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