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.

alcohol affect blood pressure
WikiAnswers - Will drinking alcohol affect blood pressure
After drinking alcohol the night before your blood pressure medicine makes you dizzy? How does alcohol affect your blood pressure? Is alcohol a blood

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alcohol and diabetes
The link between alcohol and blood pressure is present even if you do not have diabetes. the rise in blood pressure after 8 units of alcohol (enlarge)

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Alcohol, Coffee, Smoking and High Blood Pressure - High Blood
People who drink alcohol excessively (over two drinks per day) have a one and a half to two times increase in the frequency of high blood pressure

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Alcohol's effect on the brain is abnormal, as the brain is usually protected Alcohol can decrease heart rate, and lower blood pressure and respiration

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The effect alcohol has on the body, including complications from heavy drinking: Raises blood pressure, blood lipids and the risk of stroke and heart

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Health information discussion on what affects blood pressure (exercise, Alcohol is a drug, and regular over-consumption can raise blood pressure

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Drinking too much alcohol â” Heavy and regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically. Lack of physical activity â” An inactive lifestyle

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Even modest amounts of alcohol consumption can cause blood pressure to increase, according to two indicating that drinking affects older persons more.

High Blood Pressure and the Effect of Alcohol
High Blood Pressure and the Effect of Alcohol. EzineArticles. Retrieved January 03, 2008, from http://ezinearticles.com/?

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Alcohol and high blood pressure
The exact way that alcohol affects blood pressure is not yet known. However, there is good evidence to show that if you drink alcohol in large amounts it

Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure? - MayoClinic.com
Excessive use of alcohol can increase your blood pressure to unhealthy levels.


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