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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Lowering blood pressure protects stroke victims with chronic
Bath F, Bath P. A systematic overview of blood pressure management in acute stroke. In: Warlow C, Van Gijn J, Sandercock P (eds.) Stroke Module of The

Know Stroke: Blood Pressure Screenings
New research, published in the Journal of American Society of Nephrology by The George Institute for International Health in Sydney, has found that lowering

Johns Hopkins: Hypertension|Stroke about high blood pressure
Untreated high blood pressure is a strong risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease, so getting it checked regularly and getting it under control is

Lowering Blood Pressure Following Stroke May Reduce Damage
The study shows that on-the-job noise contributes to high blood pressure which, in turn, can cause heart disease or stroke.Á«

LHSFNA: Noise Exposure Associated with High Blood Pressure, Stroke
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts on Hypertension and Stroke with recommendations on avoiding high blood pressure and reducing risk of stroke.

Lowering Blood Pressure Following Stroke May Reduce Damage
A new University of Georgia study suggests that commonly prescribed drugs used to lower blood pressure may help reduce brain damage when given within 24

Stress, Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk: How Stress Can Raise Blood
A new study suggests that commonly prescribed drugs used to lower blood pressure may help reduce brain damage when given within 24 hours of a stroke.

High blood pressure - what is hypertension?
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

Stroke and high blood pressure - Better Health Channel.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

High Blood Pressure Increases Your Risk for Stroke
Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive heart

Early to RiseÁ”Morning Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke
The higher your blood pressure the greater your risk of developing narrowed arteries which can lead to heart problems, kidney disease and strokes.

50-0062 (MK0304) HBP&Stroke
A second report from the same research group shows that a morning surge in blood pressure is a better predictor of stroke than extreme dips in pressure

Blood Pressure - Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
This brochure alerts readers to the fact that high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke. It provides clear directions for treating high blood

Blood pressure, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Part 1
Lower your risk of heart attack or stroke by controlling your high blood pressure. Take our Risk Assessment for your personal risk profile.

JAMA -- Abstract: Blood pressure after stroke, November 13, 1981
The associations of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with stroke and with coronary heart disease (CHD) were investigated in nine major prospective

What Are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension?
In 334 consecutive admissions for acute stroke, the blood pressure was elevated in 84% on the day of admission. The blood pressure decreased spontaneously

High Blood Pressure
It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. High blood pressure also can


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