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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Low blood pressure
At this time, it was thought that low blood pressure was a major cause of depression and tiredness. Many people were quite wrongly treated for low blood

Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered â” Low Blood Pressure
Is low blood pressure dangerous, and how low is too low? Find the answer here.

Introduction: Low Blood Pressure: Merck Manual Home Edition
Very low blood pressure can be life-threatening because it can lead to shock (see Shock). Healthy people who have blood pressure that is low but still in

MedlinePlus: Low Blood Pressure
Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no symptoms and their low readings are normal for them. In other people, blood pressure drops

All about low blood pressure
Medications that may be associated with low blood pressure Hypotension may also be caused by certain medications, such as antidepressants, diuretics and

Blood pressure (low) Introduction - Health encyclopaedia - NHS Direct
Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. People with a reading of around 90/60, or less, are commonly regarded as having low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure (hypotension): Causes - MayoClinic.com
And big plunges, especially those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, Doctors often break down low blood pressure (hypotension) into different categories,

Low blood pressure (hypotension) - MayoClinic.com
Low blood pressure (hypotension) â” Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes and treatment of this condition.

Low blood pressure - WebMD
Learn about low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. Low blood pressure can be a sign of good health -- but in the elderly, it can be a sign of

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and
The development of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting upon standing caused by low blood pressure is called orthostatic hypotension.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and
Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure below normal. Low blood pressure symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness,


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