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.

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NIHSeniorHealth: High Blood Pressure - Table of contents
It is estimated that 1 of 3 American adults has high blood pressure or hypertension. Having high blood pressure increases oneâ™s chance for developing heart

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The good news is that if your blood pressure is high, it can be lowered by making changes to your lifestyle, for example changing your diet, exercising and

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A Johns Hopkins study should ease the concerns held by many older adults with mild high blood pressure about the strain or harm exercise could cause their

High Blood Pressure Foundation :: home
High Blood Pressure Center â” medications, low-sodium diet, other strategies to lower blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Center - MayoClinic.com
High blood pressure â” Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypertension.

High blood pressure (hypertension) - MayoClinic.com
In medical terms, hypertension refers to high blood pressure, regardless of the cause. Because it usually does not cause symptoms for many yearsâ”until a

High Blood Pressure: Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders: Merck
About one in five Americans has high blood pressure. Of those people with hypertension, about one third to one half don't even know they have it.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High Blood Pressure. Table of Contents. What Is High Blood Pressure? Risk Factors and Prevention · Symptoms and Diagnosis · Treating High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure really is a silent killer. Do not wait until someone you know has a heart attack or stroke as the silent time-bomb ticks away.

High Blood Pressure
Read about high blood pressure, or hypertension, and heart attack risks at iVillage Total Health.com.

High blood pressure and heart attack information from iVillage
High blood pressure affects I in 4 American adults. Find in-depth high blood pressure and hypertension information including its causes, symptoms,

WebMD Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Center - Find high blood
Having high blood pressure is one of several 'risk factors' that can increase your chance of developing heart disease, a stroke, and other serious

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Patient UK
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.

High blood pressure (hypertension) - causes, treatments and
Learn about various levels of blood pressure and how high blood pressure (hypertension) is defined.

What Is High Blood Pressure?
Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive heart

Blood pressure (high) Introduction - Health encyclopaedia - NHS Direct
High Blood Pressure: Medical information about hypertension, its treatment, therapies and prevention.

What Is High Blood Pressure?
This site, for people who want to learn about preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Based clinical guidelines and research studies,

Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure, NHLBI
Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension), if untreated puts you at greater risk of having a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.


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