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glossary:cholesterol [2007/08/29 23:07]
Pat O'Connor created
glossary:cholesterol [2012/10/16 14:40] (current)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +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]] ​
 +[[Estrogen]]s ([[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.
glossary/cholesterol.txt · Last modified: 2012/10/16 14:40 (external edit)