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.

conditions with low blood pressure
Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension Symptoms, Cure, Cause, Treatment
Low blood pressure is an abnormal condition where a person's blood pressure (the pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels during and

Low blood pressure definition - Medical Dictionary definitions of
Low blood pressure is a relative term because the blood pressure normally varies greatly with activity, age, medications, and underlying medical conditions.

Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered â” Low Blood Pressure
Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), problems with heart valves, heart attack and

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

Blood pressure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Blood pressure that is too low is known as hypotension. Certain medical conditions can change the viscosity of the blood. For instance, low red blood

Low blood pressure - WrongDiagnosis.com
The following list of conditions have 'Low blood pressure' or similar listed as a symptom in our . Medical Conditions associated with Low blood pressure:

University of Illinois Medical Center:Health Library
It shows the lowest pressure in the blood vessels between heartbeats, when the heart is at rest. Many conditions can cause low blood pressure.

MedlinePlus: Low Blood Pressure
In other people, blood pressure drops below normal because of some event or medical condition. Some people may experience symptoms of low pressure when

Low Blood Pressure- Health Encyclopedia and Reference
On rare occasions, individuals may have medical problems that cause low blood pressure. Among such conditions are some types of heart disease,

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and
Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure below normal. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is pressure that is so low that it causes

Low blood pressure (hypotension) - MayoClinic.com
And it's true that for some people â” those who exercise and are in top physical condition â” low blood pressure is a sign of health and fitness.


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