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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Work Stress & Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a clear sign that all is not well. The relationship between work stress and blood pressure is beginning to be understood.

Job Stress Jacks Up Blood Pressure
At work, after work -- even during sleep -- stressful jobs jack up workers' blood pressure, a Belgian study shows.

BBC NEWS | Health | Job stress raises blood pressure
Working under constant stress can put health at risk by raising blood pressure, experts warn.

Blood pressure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arterial blood pressure (BP) is most accurately measured invasively. .. All levels of arterial pressure put mechanical stress on the arterial walls.

Authentic Breathing - Exercises, Problems, Stress, Fish Oil
Better breathing, high blood pressure, stress relief, fitness, meditation, detoxification, and improved health: learn about safe, powerful products from our

Mental Stress-Associated Blood Pressure Rise Linked to Increase in
Patients who have blood pressure that is highly reactive to mental stress are more likely to have hypertension and elevated creatinine levels.

Does Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?
Man under stress Stress can make blood pressure go up for a while, and it has been thought to contribute to high blood pressure. But the long-term effects

High Blood Pressure: Things You Can Do to Help Lower Yours
Does stress affect my blood pressure? What about medicine? What are the possible side effects of medicine? See Also:. More Information. Other Organizations

Morning Coffee Boosts Blood Pressure, Stress Hormones Throughout
Lane's study builds on smaller ones in which he found that caffeine boosted blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones in subjects who drank four to

Stress, Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk: How Stress Can Raise Blood
You may already know that stress can raise your blood pressure. Here's the latest information and research on how stress and high blood pressure affect your

Stress and high blood pressure: What's the connection
Stress and high blood pressure â” Learn how short-term links can create long-term risks.


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