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 medicine types
High blood pressure (hypertension) - causes, treatments and
High Blood Pressure: Medical information about hypertension, Source:MedicineNet; Diabetes - Information on Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) including types,

High blood pressure (hypertension) - MayoClinic.com
High blood pressure â” Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment and Larger type Reprints and permissions icon Reprints and permissions

High blood pressure medication: When should I take it
Most types of high blood pressure medications work for 24 hours, Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine · Healthy Living set - Buy 2 books and get 1

Lotrel.com
Lotrel.com.

Blood Pressure Medicines -- familydoctor.org
There are 8 types of medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will decide which type of medicine is right for you.

Types of Blood Pressure Medications: Guide to Lowering HBP
Brief overview of the different types of drugs prescribed to treat hypertension.

How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
There are different types of diuretics. They are often used along with other high blood pressure medicines and may be combined with another medicine in one

Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure
Find out about high blood pressure medications. Here are some drugs used to treat high blood pressure. What Is High Blood Pressure Medicine?

What Is High Blood Pressure Medicine?
How can I remember to take my medicine? What types of drugs are there? What Is High Blood Pressure Medicine? Adobe PDF, File Size 120.0 KB

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by

Medicines high blood pressure treatment tablets,drugs pills
There are many different types of tablets used to treat high blood pressure and which particular tablet, or combination of tablets, your doctor gives you


blood pressure medicine types
blood pressure gage
blood pressure chest pain
blood pressure measurement guidelines
blood pressure monitor consumer review