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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Blood Pressure Medications
Related Program - Center for Integrative Medicine. Blood Pressure Medications. Table of Contents > Drug Categories > Blood Pressure Medications

Common Medications Provide Equal Blood Pressure Control
Press release on effectiveness of blood-pressure medications.

Cardiovascular & Circulatory System Health - Promote Normal Blood
Natural Remedies to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure. Do not combine with other cardiac medication unless under medical supervision.

Cozaar - High Blood Pressure Medication Review
Review on Cozaar, a common high blood pressure medication. Cozaar - High Blood Pressure Medication Review.

High blood pressure (hypertension) - causes, treatments and
It turns out that grapefruit juice can directly or indirectly interact in important ways with a number of medications, including high blood pressure

Blood pressure medication - WebMD
Learn about medications that can lower your blood pressure or treat complications of high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Drugs: Is Timing Key?
Switching the timing of blood pressure medications might help patients with kidney disease avoid life-threatening complications, a new study suggests.

Medication for High Blood Pressure - Patient UK
This leaflet is about drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure. A separate leaflet called 'High Blood Pressure' gives more general information about

Blood Pressure Medication Types
Information and description of the actions of the different classes of blood pressure medications that are available for treating high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Treatment and Medication - BP Success Zone
Information about high blood pressure, including medication and treatment with lifestyle changes. Learn about the BP Success Zone, a program guaranteed to

High Blood Pressure Medication - DIOVAN.com
Learn about hypertension (high blood pressure), including symptoms, how blood pressure is measured, and what you can do to prevent or control high blood

Choosing blood pressure medications - CNN.com
Dozens of high blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) are available, each with pros and cons. You and your doctor have many issues to consider when

Howstuffworks "Blood Pressure Medications"
Blood pressure medications can fall under many different names and have vastly different effects on the body. Learn about blood pressure medications.

Types of Blood Pressure Medications: Guide to Lowering HBP
Brief overview of the different types of drugs prescribed to treat hypertension.

Treatments: Guide to Lowing High Blood Pressure
If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in keeping your pressure controlled, it may be necessary to add blood pressure medications.

Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure
That's why you might have to go through a trial period to find out which medications work best with the fewest side effects. Your blood pressure is only

Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs
Blood pressure-lowering drugs can help control blood pressure when diet and exercise alone have not succeeded.

Choosing blood pressure medications - MayoClinic.com
High blood pressure medications â” Here are some options for high blood pressure medications.

High blood pressure medication: When should I take it
The best time to take high blood pressure medication depends on several factors.


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