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 too high
My blood pressure is a tiny bit too high. What's the best way to
My blood pressure is a tiny bit too high. What's the best way to help it before it becomes a problem?

Blood pressure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It is essential that the cuff size is correct: undersized cuffs may yield too high a pressure, whereas oversized cuffs yields too low a pressure. When blood

Pregnancy: When you have high blood pressure - MayoClinic.com
Later risks may be a concern, too. High blood pressure during pregnancy may increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease later in life.

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Either or both of these numbers may be too high. Pre-hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 139 or your diastolic blood

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition most often associated with adults. But kids can have high blood pressure too, even as infants.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Patient UK
However, current UK guidelines suggest that this level is too high for certain groups of people. Treatment to lower your blood pressure if it is 130/80 mmHg

NPR: Sweeney Todd Probably Had High Blood Pressure, Too
Sweeney Todd Probably Had High Blood Pressure, Too. The tagline to the new (brilliant, though bloody) Sweeney Todd movie is "Never Forgive. Never Forget.

DHDSP - About High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. When it consistently stays too high for too long, it is called hypertension.

high blood pressure articles, information and news
Despite counseling by physicians, Americans still consume far too much sodium, putting them at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke,

What Is High Blood Pressure?
People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too. American Heart Association recommended blood

Ask the Dietitian - by Joanne Larsen MS RD LD - Salt & Sodium
Salt has been blamed in the past as causing high blood pressure. New research though is suggesting that too little calcium or potassium as having some

Le Magazine, May 2005 - Report: Warning! Normal Blood Pressure May
Too often, people deny that they have high blood pressure. ÁœIÁ™m nervous,Á« or ÁœI fought traffic to get here,Á« or ÁœWait until I relax a little while and itÁ™ll

Even high-normal blood pressure is too high: Science News Online
Blood pressure at the high end of what is defined as the normal range is closer to "high" than to "normal" in terms of risk of associated heart disease.

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Age is therefore one of the factors that needs to be taken into account in deciding whether a person's blood pressure is too high.

Blood Pressure Hypertension Systolic Diastolic
Information about a study that finds blood pressure numbers too high for many. the disease in which the systolic pressure (the top number) is too high.

Is Your Blood Pressure Too High?
Most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, which is why regular blood pressure checks are so important.High blood pressure can

Heartpoint: High Blood Pressure Information
At what level is blood pressure too high? First of all, several readings are required to diagnose High Blood Pressure. Blood pressure is generally felt to

Abnormal Blood Pressure - Blood Pressure Too High - Blood Pressure
Measuring blood pressure at home leads to questions about odd readings. You may wonder what to do if you get a particularly high reading (hypertension) - or


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