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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High Blood Pressure
For most of the teens that develop high blood pressure, however, there is no specific cause. Genetic factors play an important part in essential

Teenagers - Healthy Kids and Pediatrics - Information on
Screen teenagers who have multiple risk factors for future cardiovascular disease (eg, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes mellitus,

Study links teens' soft-drink habit to rise in blood pressure
Teens, particularly black teens, who drink several soft drinks daily may increase their blood pressure and their risk for developing hypertension,

Stress in Teens Can Increase Risk Of Early High Blood Pressure
When teen-agers feel that their strivings are continually frustrated, the resulting stress can lead to chronically elevated blood pressure, according to a

Science Blog -- Teens With High Blood Pressure May Have Enlarged
DALLAS, May 19 -- Teenagers, especially boys, with high blood pressure may be harboring a serious, but silent, heart condition, according to two new studies

Sedentary Teens More Likely To Have Higher Blood Pressure
Teenagers who spend a lot of time planted in front of the TV are more likely to have higher blood pressure, regardless of whether they are overweight.

Teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics includes the following in its recommended preventive services for teens:. Blood pressure, height, and weight need to be

Teen Health 411
High Blood Pressure Undiagnosed in Children and Teens. Monday, November 19, 2007. Nancy L. Brown, PhD. The rise in childhood obesity have brought increases

Average Blood Pressure levels in US teens on rise | AORN Journal
Average Blood Pressure levels in US teens on rise from AORN Journal in Health provided free by Find Articles.

Blood Pressure Levels Among Children/Teenagers, May 4, 2004 Press
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels for children and teenagers have risen substantially since 1988, according to a new study supported by the

High Blood Pressure in Teens - Causes of Adolescent Hypertension
High blood pressure can affect people of any age, including children and teenagers. Diagnosing and managing the disease presents unique challenges in

High Blood Pressure On Rise Among Teens - Connecting With Kids
High Blood Pressure On Rise Among Teens. Experts Say Obesity, Lack Of Excercise To Blame. POSTED: 3:30 pm EDT July 13, 2004. UPDATED: 7:15 pm EDT July 13,

Common Misconceptions
When kids reach the teen years, they should certainly have their pressure checked. According to research, teenagers with the highest blood pressure and

Meditation Helps Teens Lower Blood Pressure
Getting a teenager to sit still and meditate for 15 minutes twice a day may be a challenge in itself, but a new study shows the health rewards may be worth

High Blood Pressure and Your Teen
Teens with prehypertension or high blood pressure are more likely to have high blood pressure and its related complications when they grow up unless they

MedlinePlus: High Blood Pressure
Return to top; Teenagers. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)(Nemours Foundation). Return to top; Women. About High Blood Pressure: A Special Message for

Average Blood Pressure Levels On Rise Among American Children
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels for children and teenagers have risen substantially since 1988.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure in babies is usually caused by prematurity or problems with the kidneys or heart. In many cases when kids and teens have high blood

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
In teens up to age 18, high blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure Teens with blood pressure readings that are greater than 90% of the expected


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