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 definitions
High Blood Pressure - Definition of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is an important cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Learn what high blood pressure really means and what stage you have.

blood pressure - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Definition of blood pressure from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary with audio pronunciations, thesaurus, Word of the Day, and word games.

High Blood Pressure Glossary of Terms with Definitions on
High Blood Pressure glossary includes a list of High Blood Pressure related medical definitions and related links on MedicineNet.com.

high+blood+pressure - Definition from Merriam-Webster's Medical
Definition of high+blood+pressure from Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary with examples and pronunciations.

Pulse Pressure Definition
Pulse pressure is the difference between the maximum and minimum blood A person with normal blood pressure (120/80) will have a pulse pressure of 40

Blood pressure - definition from Biology-Online.org
Definition and other additional information on Blood pressure from Biology-Online.org dictionary.

High Blood Pressure
When you have high blood pressure your ability to engage in very physical work or activity is limited and your risk of getting a stroke or having a heart

blood pressure definition
Genes / Proteins | Definitions | Models | Developmental Models | General Concepts The force blood exerts against blood vessel walls.

Blood Pressure - Definition, Diet, Factors Influencing High Blood
One look at the blood pressure statistics indicates that the body's ability to maintain its blood pressure is vital to life. Chronic hypertension is a major

What is blood pressure(BP)? Find the definition for blood pressure
the pressure or tension of the blood within the systemic arteries, maintained by the contraction of the left ventricle, the resistance of the arterioles and

blood pressure - definition of blood pressure by the Free Online
Definition of blood pressure in the Online Dictionary. Meaning of blood pressure. What does blood pressure mean? blood pressure synonyms, blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension)
The heart is a pump designed to force blood through our body. Blood is pumped from the heart through the arteries out to our muscles and organs.

blood pressure - definition of blood pressure in the Medical
Definition of blood pressure in the Medical Dictionary. blood pressure explanation. Information about blood pressure in Free online English dictionary.

Blood pressure definition - Medical Dictionary definitions of
Definition of Blood pressure. Blood pressure: The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the

High blood pressure definition - High Blood Pressure (Hypertension
High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is, by definition, a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a

blood pressure: Definition and Much More from Answers.com
blood pressure n. ( Abbr. BP ) The pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries.

What is blood pressure?
There is an exception to the above definition of high blood pressure. A blood pressure of 130/80 or higher is considered high blood pressure in persons with

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Blood pressure
Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure. Definition Return to top. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the

Definition of blood pressure - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heart beats,


blood pressure definitions
blood pressure during exercise
blood pressure regulate
blood pressure symptom
blood pressure in legs