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 dropping
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and
However, others who normally have high blood pressure may develop symptoms of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.

Low blood pressure
This drop in blood pressure when you stand up is called postural hypotension. If you are well with no drop in blood pressure when standing then you

MedlinePlus: Low Blood Pressure
Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no symptoms and their low readings are normal for them. In other people, blood pressure drops

Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) - MayoClinic.com
Orthostatic hypotension â” also called postural hypotension â” is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.

Blood pressure dropping after cholecystectomy! - NoBlood
What are the danger signs of internal bleeding? Wife had laparoscopic cholecystectomy yesterday and overnight the blood pressure is dropping. Was 100/6.

Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic Finds Effective Remedy for Blood
Mayo Clinic Finds Effective Remedy for Blood Pressure Drop When Standing Up. Tuesday, October 05, 2004. ROCHESTER, Minn. â” Mayo Clinic neurologists have

Drug Reduces Severity Of Sudden Drops In Blood Pressure
Title: Drug Reduces Severity Of Sudden Drops In Blood Pressure URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/8FA32.htm Doctor's Guide July 21, 1998

Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered â” Low Blood Pressure
In some people, blood pressure drops rapidly when standing from a sitting or prone position, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision and even

Low blood pressure - WebMD
Chronic low blood pressure is almost never serious. But health problems occur when blood pressure drops suddenly, and the brain is deprived of an adequate

Blood pressure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For instance, with a subject in the supine position, blood travelling from the heart to the toes typically only experiences a 5 mmHg drop in mean pressure.

Low blood pressure (hypotension): Causes - MayoClinic.com
On the other hand, a sudden fall in blood pressure can be dangerous. A change of just 20 mm Hg â” a drop from 130 systolic to 110 systolic, for example â” can


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