Cholesterol Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Cholesterol Cholesterol producers Cholesterol Definition Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body. This includes the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines, and heart. It is made by the body and also obtained from animal products in the diet. Alternative Names Diet - cholesterol Function Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver for normal body functions, including the production of hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D. It is transported in the blood to be used by all parts of the body. Food Sources In foods, cholesterol is found in eggs, dairy products, meat, and poultry. Egg yolks and organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbread, and brain) are high in cholesterol. Fish generally contains less cholesterol than other meats, but some shellfish are high in cholesterol. Foods of plant origin (vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, nuts, and seeds) contain no cholesterol. Fat content is not a good measure of cholesterol content. For example, liver and other organ meats are low in fat, but very high in cholesterol. Side Effects In general, you have a greater risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis as your level of blood cholesterol increases. Recommendations More than half of the adult population has blood cholesterol levels higher than the desirable range. High cholesterol levels often begin in childhood. Some children may be at higher risk due to a family history of high cholesterol. Continue reading this article

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High blood cholesterol and triglycerides (1 Video, 2 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides. A lipid disorder increases your risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease. Reviewer: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/24/2006
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LDL test (5 Videos, 1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
The LDL test measures how much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) you have in your blood. LDL is a type of cholesterol . Too much LDL in the blood can clog arteries. Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 01/22/2007
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HDL (2 Videos, 1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
HDL stands for high density lipoprotein, a form of "good" cholesterol. Lipoproteins are proteins in the blood that move cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipids to various tissues. This article discusses the blood test used to measure levels of HDL cholesterol in your blood. Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/21/2006
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VLDL (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are substances made of cholesterol, and triglyceride, and proteins. They move cholesterol, triglyceride, and other lipids to different parts of the body. There are three major types of lipoproteins. VLDL contains the highest amount of triglyceride. VLDL is considered a type of bad cholesterol, because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries. A blood test can be done to measure the amount of VLDL in your blood. See also: High density lipoprotein; Low density lipoprotein. Reviewer: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/24/2006
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Cholesterol test (7 Videos, 2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A total cholesterol test is a rough measure of all the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries, and lead to heart disease. Some cholesterol is considered "good" and some is considered "bad." Different blood tests are needed to individually measure each type of cholesterol. See also: HDL test ("good" cholesterol; LDL test ("bad" cholesterol; Lipid profile; High blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Reviewer: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, FACC, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare NetworkDate: 06/13/2007
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Familial hypercholesterolemia (4 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A dominantly inherited genetic condition that results in markedly elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels beginning at birth, and cause heart attacks at an early age. Reviewer: Lamya Alarif, Ph.D., H.C.L.D., Immunology and Genetics Associates, McLean, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 03/13/2006
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Familial combined hyperlipidemia (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Familial combined hyperlipidemia is a disorder of high cholesterol and high blood triglycerides that is passed down through families. Reviewer: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/16/2007
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Fat free diet and children (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 02/14/2007
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Margarine vs. butter (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, family physician specializing in nutrition, fitness, and preventive health, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, and Assistant Clinical Professor, St. Louis University's School of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine.Date: 08/06/2007
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Heart disease and vitamin E (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/06/2006
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Losing weight (2 Videos, 8 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
To successfully lose weight, you must carry out a plan to balance your caloric intake with exercise. Ideally, dieting should be done by eating a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie diet and increasing physical activity. Related topics: Obesity; Overweight; Unintentional weight loss. Reviewer: Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, family physician specializing in nutrition, fitness, and preventive health, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, and Assistant Clinical Professor, St. Louis University's School of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine.Date: 08/08/2007
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Cholesterol and Statins. in Tech Medicine - 1 year 248 days ago

Statins are a class of cholesterol lowering drugs which block an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. Companies producing branded statins such... Email  |  Save

Cholesterol Lowering Plants. in The Diet Dish - 95 days ago

If enough sterols are consumed in the diet, they will compete with cholesterol in the digestive tract and the result is less cholesterol being absorbed by ... Email  |  Save