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 pregnancy
Pregnancy: When you have high blood pressure - MayoClinic.com
High blood pressure and pregnancy â” Here's what you need to know.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Women with pre-existing, or chronic, high blood pressure are more likely to have certain complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood

Pregnancy
How Common Are High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia in Pregnancy? How Can Women with High Blood Pressure Prevent Problems During Pregnancy?

High Blood Pressure of Pregnancy - Patient UK
If you are pregnant you should have regular blood pressure checks. High blood pressure (hypertension) commonly develops during pregnancy.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy -- familydoctor.org
Information about high blood pressure during pregnancy from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Pregnancy week by week - pregnancy calendar - pregnancy stages
High blood pressure during pregnancy is always of some concern. However, a woman's blood pressure can fluctuate for many reasons and the occasional high

Pre-eclampsia - high blood pressure during pregnancy
BUPA health factsheet - pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and persistent excessive swelling of the hands, feet and ankles.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy - March of Dimes
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that is diagnosed before pregnancy, or before the 20th week of pregnancy. This type of high blood pressure does

MedlinePlus: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Serious cases may develop preeclampsia, a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can be life-threatening for both you and

Blood pressure in pregnancy
There are several routine checks that you'll be offered during pregnancy and one of these is having your blood pressure (BP) taken.

ACOG Education Pamphlet AP034 -- High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
When blood pressure becomes too high, it is known as hypertension. This can pose health risks at any time. During pregnancy, hypertension can cause added

Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy - Topic
Preeclampsia is defined as the new onset of high blood pressure over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) after 20 weeks of pregnancy, usually with

Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
Up to 1 in 10 pregnant women develop raised blood pressure accompanied by the appearance of protein in the urine (proteinuria) and retention of excessive

NHBPEP Report on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: A Summary for
The National High Blood Pressure Education Program's Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy recently issued a report implicating hypertension as

Common Pregnancy Complications: Pre-eclampsia & Hypertension
Hypertension is when the blood pressure is too high, and hypotension when its too low. Hypotension is a common finding in early and mid-pregnancy and is,

BMJ BestTreatments :: Conditions :: Pre-eclampsia :: Blood
During the first half of your pregnancy, your blood pressure will probably go lower than normal. High blood pressure during pregnancy. September 2005.

Pregnancy High Blood Pressure, Pregnancy, High Blood Pressure
Pregnancy high blood pressure is perhaps the most common cause of worry for women preparing for motherhood.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Coronary Calcification
Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have a buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries after menopause,

Blood Pressure during Pregnancy and Pre eclampsia
If this is the case then you may find that your blood pressure falls in the middle of your pregnancy. If this happens, the tablets might be stopped.


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