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 low
All about low blood pressure
How low is too low? It is much better to have low blood pressure rather than high blood pressure, and it may even prolong life expectancy.

Is my blood pressure too low? - Yahoo! Answers
My blood pressure is 94 over 54. I am an eighteen

Low Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is too low, the first organ to malfunction is usually the brain. The brain malfunctions first because it is located at the top of the

Business Matters: Blood pressure too low? Think billboards!
Blood pressure too low? Think billboards! If there is anyone out there who doesn't have an opinion about billboards, please let me know.

Blood Pressure in Acute Stroke: How Low Is Too Low? - Journal
Previous research has suggested that low blood pressure is detrimental in patients with acute ischemic stroke (Neurology 2003; 61:1047 and Ann Emerg Med

MedlinePlus: Low Blood Pressure
Some people may experience symptoms of low pressure when standing up too quickly. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness,

Low blood pressure - hypotension
When the blood pressure is too low there is inadequate blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, light-headedness or fainting may occur.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and
Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure below normal. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to

Can Blood Pressure Be Too Low?
Can Blood Pressure Be Too Low? Low blood pressure (hypotension) generally refers to numbers less than 100/60. In most people low blood pressure isn't cause

Low Blood Pressure (hypotension)
Can blood pressure be too low? Optimal blood pressure is generally defined as 120/80. Low blood pressure (hypotension) generally refers to numbers less than

Introduction: Low Blood Pressure: Merck Manual Home Edition
If blood pressure is too high, it can damage a blood vessel and even rupture it, causing bleeding or other complications. If blood pressure is too low,

Fainting: Low Blood Pressure: Merck Manual Home Edition
Low Volume of Blood: Fainting may occur if the blood volume is too low. It is caused by orthostatic hypotension (see Low Blood Pressure: Orthostatic

Low blood pressure (hypotension): Causes - MayoClinic.com
For that reason, doctors often consider chronically low blood pressure too low only if it causes noticeable symptoms. On the other hand, a sudden fall in

Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered â” Low Blood Pressure
There is no specific number at which blood pressure is considered too low. Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous only if it causes

Low Blood Pressure
In most people blood pressure isn't too low until it causes symptoms such as In certain conditions or disease states, blood pressure can become too low.

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

Blood Pressure Chart - Normal Blood Pressure Range
120 - 80 - NORMAL Blood Pressure 110 - 75 - Low Normal 90 - 60 - BORDERLINE LOW 60 - 40 - TOO LOW Blood Pressure 50 - 33 - DANGER Blood Pressure

Abnormal Blood Pressure - Blood Pressure Too High - Blood Pressure
Measuring blood pressure at home leads to questions about odd readings. What If Blood Pressure is Too High or Too Low? From Rod Brouhard,

Heartpoint: High Blood Pressure Information
The medical communityâ™s knowledge of high blood pressure is great, but far from perfect. . You can then get your pressure to where it's actually too low.


blood pressure too low
blood pressure over palpable
blood pressure record form
blood pressure videos
blood pressure systolic diastolic