Definition of Cholesterol
Cholesterol: The most common
type of steroid in the body,
cholesterol has gotten something of a bad name. However,
cholesterol is a critically important molecule.
It is essential to
the formation of:
- Bile acids (which aid in the digestion of fats)
- Vitamin D
- Progesterone
- Estrogens (estradiol, estrone,
estriol)
- Androgens (androsterone, testosterone)
- Mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone,
corticosterone) and
- Glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol).
Cholesterol is also necessary to the normal permeability
and function of cell membranes, the membranes that surround cells.
Cholesterol is carried in the bloodstream as lipoproteins.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the
"bad" cholesterol because elevated LDL levels are
associated with an increased risk of coronary artery
(heart) disease. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol since
high HDL levels are associated with less coronary disease.
After the age of 20, cholesterol testing is recommended every 5
years.
A diet high in saturated fats tends to increase
the blood cholesterol levels while diets high in
unsaturated fats tend to do the opposite, to lower blood cholesterol
levels.
Although some cholesterol is obtained from the diet, most
cholesterol is made in the liver and other
tissues. The treatment of elevated cholesterol therefore involves not
only diet but also weight loss and regular exercise
(and, occasionally, medications).
Last Editorial Review: 10/22/1998Common Misspellings: cholestrol, cholesteral, chlorestol, cholestoral, colesterol
- Statins - Read about statins, cholesterol lowering medications like Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, and more. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information is also provided.
- Homocysteine - Read about the test for homocysteine levels in the blood. High levesl of homocysteine include increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
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