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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Home health: choosing the best blood pressure monitor
Monitoring your high blood pressure at home can be fast and easy - but how do you begin to shop for a home blood pressure monitor?

Best Blood Pressure Monitors - Associated Content
Check out Best Blood Pressure Monitors - Submitted by Samantha Manas at Associated Content.

The ALLHAT results - are diuretics the best blood pressure
If you are being treated for high blood pressure (hypertension) or know someone who is, you should be aware of a study showing that the diuretic

To Control Blood Pressure Combination Of Medicines May Be Best
Single tablets containing two drugs may be the key to increasing blood pressure control rates from 36 percent to over 80 percent in the US.

Accuracy and convenience: the best blood pressure monitors
Things to consider when purchasing a blood pressure monitor for the home. Accuracy, price and convenience issues are discussed.

Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews, Best Blood Pressure Monitor
ConsumerSearch analyzes lab reports and clinical testing of blood-pressure monitors. Top-rated monitors for ease of use and accuracy are listed and

The Best Blood Pressure Monitor. at Hammacher Schlemmer
In tests conducted by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute, this blood pressure monitor was rated the best because it was the most accurate of all the units

Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Tested Best Blood Pressure
Epinions has the best comparison shopping information on Tested Best Blood Pressure Monitor. Compare prices from across the web and read reviews from other

When Treating High Blood Pressure, Simplicity is Best, Study Suggests
A simplified, step-care protocol for treating high blood pressure was more effective than guidelines-based practice in helping people reduce their blood

Blood Pressure Monitors: Recommended machines to measure blood
Blood Pressure Monitors: Information and advice about the best machines Blood pressure monitors: which type of machine is recommended to use at home?

Blood Pressure Monitors
By contrast digital blood pressure monitors today are essentially automatic and are by far and away the best home blood pressure monitors.

High Blood Pressure: Things You Can Do to Help Lower Yours
One drink is a can of beer, a glass of wine or 1 jigger of liquor. If your blood pressure increases with alcohol, it's best not to drink any alcohol.

High blood pressure medication: When should I take it
Before determining the best time to take your medication, talk to your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing and your blood pressure goals.

Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home -- familydoctor.org
Digital monitors have either manual or automatic cuffs. The blood pressure reading flashes on a small screen. Choose the type of monitor that best suits

Blood Pressure Monitors - machines for home use.
What type of monitor is best? There are many different monitors available Cuff size: Many models that measure blood pressure from the top of the arm are

High Blood Pressure - Things you can do to help lower yours
New goals for best blood pressure readings vary by your health status. The current target values for the following conditions are :

Best Foods to Beat High Blood Pressure - Allrecipes
Your blood pressure used to be high if it topped 140/90. Not anymore: New medical guidelines say it should be under 120/80. That means nearly half of adults

Guide to the best blood pressure monitor
Your guide to choosing the best blood pressure monitor.

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Current evidence suggests that if your blood pressure is less than 100/70 mmHg, your risk of a stroke or heart attack is very small and therefore the best


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