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 handouts
Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home -- familydoctor.org
Information about home blood pressure monitoring from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Drugs and Treatments - Lisinopril Oral - Patient Handout from WebMD
Information on Lisinopril Oral - Patient Handout. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children 6 years of age and

PEER REVIEWED: Blood Pressure Sunday: Introducing Genomics to the
Family History and High Blood Pressure handouts were sent to each church. Top. Abstract. Background. Context. Methods. > Consequences. Interpretation

Military Religious Freedom Foundation: Blood Pressure Management
Blood Pressure Management HANDOUT from the Peterson AFB, CO. posted by Military Religious Freedom Foundation at 11:20 AM

Preventing Chronic Disease: April 2005: 04_0134
MDCH and UM-CGPH collaborated to develop the content of the Family History and High Blood Pressure handout. The content was initially developed by the

Handouts
Comprehensive site about managing blood pressure · American Heart Association · Informative site with a number of links about blood pressure,

Essential Hypertension Patient/Family Resources
Patient Handouts: Table of content. High Blood Pressure (Comprehensive Version): Access . Essential Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Access document

National High Blood Pressure Education Month
Help prevent and control high blood pressure using the education materials for lowering blood pressure and healthy eating. These make great handouts.

McKinley Health Center - What Does Blood Pressure Mean
Health information discussion on what affects blood pressure (exercise, about any difference in your treatment plan and the information in this handout,


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