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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Ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure should be restricted to
Ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure should be restricted to scientific research. EDITOR,--Frank W Beltman and colleagues report the predictive value of

Kidney and Blood Pressure Research
Should you experience any problems with your submission, please contact: kbr@karger.ch S. Karger AG Editorial Office â˜Kidney & Blood Pressure Researchâ™

IngentaConnect The Diurnal Variation in Blood Pressure should be
The Diurnal Variation in Blood Pressure should be Calculated from Individually Defined Day and Night Times. Authors: MAY O.; ARILDSEN H.; DAMSGAARD E.M.

High blood pressure and children: Watch your child's weight - CNN.com
For healthy children, blood pressure should be checked during routine medical If your child's blood pressure is slightly elevated, it should be checked

Ask the Dietitian - by Joanne Larsen MS RD LD - Salt & Sodium
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (bottom blood pressure number greater than 90 mm), you should be limiting foods high in sodium and lose

General questions answers blood pressure
What tests should I have done if I am found to have high blood pressure? It is not true â“ your blood pressure should be 140/90mmHg or lower.

Measuring Blood Pressure, what the numbers mean.
Everyone should know what their blood pressure is. Think of it as part of your body's MOT and a number you know, in the same way that you know how much you

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Blood pressure
Blood pressure is usually measured while you are seated with your arm resting on a table. Your arm should be slightly bent so that it is at the same level

What is blood pressure?
Still, for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still. That level should be lower than

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Patient Instructions - UMHS
In your doctor's office your blood pressure should be less than 140/90. When you measure your blood pressure at home, it usually is somewhat lower because

Taylor & Francis Journals: Welcome
Abbreviations and symbols must be standards and SI units should be used throughout, with the exception of measurement of blood pressure that should be

What should you do if blood pressure control deteriorates in
If a patient's hypertensive control deteriorates while taking aspirin, at what level of blood pressure should one consider stopping the aspirin in order to

High blood pressure (hypertension)
You should also have regular blood pressure tests if there is a family tendency for hypertension. This way, treatment can be started before any

When Should Blood Pressure Be Measured?
Several factors related to the timing of the blood pressure measurement can affect the outcome of the reading. The elapsed time since smoking, eating,

Multiple Blood Pressure Readings Should Be Taken
A single reading is not sufficient to determine a value for blood pressure. Several readings should be taken, separated in time. Blood pressure should be

Heartpoint: High Blood Pressure Information
about the level of blood pressure which should be treated. As in so many areas, the debate often obscures the obvious - the higher the level of the blood

High blood pressure quiz: Are you at risk? - MayoClinic.com
High blood pressure is dangerous. Find out if you're at risk.

Blood Pressure
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. Your doctor or other qualified health professional should


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