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.

bloodpressure readings
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Blood pressure
Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as 2 The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure reading.

Measuring Blood Pressure, what the numbers mean.
If your blood pressure is on the high side of 'normal' (between 130/85 and 139/89 mmHg) or if you have had a previous high reading at anytime before,

Blood pressure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For blood pressure readings taken with a home monitoring device to be accurate, they should be taken the same way each time. The National Heart, Lung and

Blood Pressure Readings: Blood Pressure Machines for Measuring
Blood pressure readings with CSI Model 3K blood pressure machines are an accurate, fast and non-invasive way of measuring blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Texas Heart Institute Heart
Your doctor will take several blood pressure readings using a device called a sphygmomanometer and run a few routine tests.

My Blood Pressure Charting Software -- Free Download
Software that records, charts and prints reports of your blood pressure readings WIN 98/ME/2000/XP

AMNews: June 11, 2007. Blood pressure readings often unreliable
While assessment increasingly occurs outside the office, efforts continue to improve clinician determination of the readings.

Blood pressure: A chart explaining your blood pressure reading
Blood pressure readings are grouped into four categories. This chart explains the readings.

What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmhg or higher. For example, blood pressure readings of 138/82, 128/89, or 130/86 are all in

What Is Normal Blood Pressure?
If your doctor says you have a high blood pressure reading the first time, don't panic. Blood pressure can vary due to exercise or your body's response to

Blood Pressure Readings
A complete explanation of Blood Pressure Readings including risks, what to expect and when to call the doctor.


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