Blood cholesterol

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Blood Cholesterol

Blood cholesterol (pronunciation: /blʌd ˈkɒlɪstərɒl/) is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. It is an essential component of the body, but high levels can lead to health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

Etymology

The term "cholesterol" comes from the Ancient Greek words chole (bile) and stereos (solid), reflecting its discovery in gallstones in the 18th century. The prefix "blood" is added to denote its presence in the bloodstream.

Types of Blood Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and cause heart disease. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver, which removes it from your body.

Related Terms

  • Lipid profile: A group of tests that measure the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.
  • Hypercholesterolemia: A condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
  • Hypolipidemic agents: Medications used to lower lipid levels in the blood.
  • Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries, often due to high cholesterol levels.

See Also

External links

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