Dictionary - Cholesterol terms explained

anabolic steroids
angina pectoris
clogged arteries
atherosclerosis
Atorvastatin
Atromid-S
cardiovascular disease
Cholesterol
cholesterol screening
Cholestyramine
Clofibrate
Colesevelam
Colestid
Colestipol
coronary heart disease
Crestor
estrogen
Fluvastatin
Gemfibrozil
HDL Cholesterol
healthy weight
heart attack
heart disease
Hypercholesterolemia
hypertriglyceridemia
LDL Cholesterol
Lescol
Lipitor
lipoprotein
Lo-Cholest
Lopid
Lovastatin
Mevacor
monounsaturated fats
Nicotinic Acid
Niacin
polyunsaturated fats
Pravastatin
Pravachol
Prevalite
Progesterone
Questran
Resins
Rosuvastatin
saturated fats
Simvastatin
statins
stroke
triglyceride
VLDL Cholesterol
WelChol
Zocor

Resins
Cholesterol lowering bile acid resins Bile acid resins are substances that bind in the intestines with bile acids that contain cholesterol and are then eliminated in the stool. The major effect of bile acid resins is to lower LDL-cholesterol by about 10 to 20 percent. Small doses of resins can produce useful reductions in LDL-cholesterol. Bile acid resins are sometimes prescribed with a statin for patients with heart disease to increase cholesterol reduction. When these two drugs are combined, their effects are added together to lower LDL-cholesterol by over 40 percent.

Statins
Statins are a class of drugs used to lower blood cholesterol. They work in your liver to block a substance needed to make cholesterol. They may also help your body reabsorb cholesterol that has accumulated in plaques on your artery walls. This helps prevent further blockage in your blood vessels. Long-term use of statins may even reduce existing blockage in narrowed blood vessels.

Cholesterol
A sterol widely distributed in animal tissues and occurring in egg yolks, various oils, fats, myelin in brain, spinal cord and axons, liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands.It is synthesized in the liver and is a normal constituent of bile. It is the principal constituent of most gallstones and of atherosclerotic plaques found in arteries. It is important in metabolism, serving as a precursor to various steroid hormones (e.g., sex hormones, adrenal corticoids).. An elevated blood level of cholesterol increases a person's risks of developing coronary heart disease Lowering elevated total blood cholesterol levels, and the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart attacks both in persons with a prior history of coronary disease and in asymptomatic individuals.

Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart disease is caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are carried to it by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits--a process called atherosclerosis--and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, the result is coronary heart disease (CHD). If not enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart, you may experience chest pain called angina. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by total blockage of a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack. This is usually due to a sudden closure from a blood clot forming on top of a previous narrowing.

Stroke
Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease. It affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Angina is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia. It occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) doesn't get as much blood (hence as much oxygen) as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries (blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) is narrowed or blocked. Insufficient blood supply is called ischemia. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis comes from the Greek words athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (hardness). It's the name of the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque. It usually affects large and medium-sized arteries. Some hardening of arteries often occurs when people grow older.

Saturated fats
All animal fats, such as those in meat, poultry, and dairy products are saturated. Processed and fast foods are also saturated. Vegetable oils also can be saturated. Palm, palm kernel and coconut oils are saturated vegetable oils. Fats containing mostly unsaturated fat can be made more saturated through a process called "hydrogenation." Saturated fats are the very unhealthy fats. They make the body produce more cholesterol, which may raise blood cholesterol levels. Excess saturated fat is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The amount of cholesterol found in foods is not as important as the amount of saturated fat. Of all the fats, saturated fat is the most potent determinant of blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats stimulates the production of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and therefore increases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol itself.

Polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats are found in vegetable oils such as corn oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. Polyunsaturated fats are also present in fish and fish oils, which help to decrease triglyceride levels. Polyunsaturated fats lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol but they also lower HDL cholesterol (HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol). Therefore, this fat should be limited to a certain degree. Too much of any of these fats will increase dietary fat intake, and excess body fat may increase cholesterol levels and the potential to increase body fat.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat. Triglycerides are the main form of fat in foods. Triglycerides are produced by the body and stored as fat from excess calories from any source (protein, carbohydrates, or fat). Drinking alcohol can also increase levels of triglycerides. Having high triglyceride levels is not necessarily a risk factor of heart disease but the risk goes up when coupled with other risk factors.

VLDLCholesterol
Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which are associated with "very bad" cholesterol. One of the four different types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream.

HDLCholesterol
High-density cholesterol, HDL, is considered "good" or protective cholesterol, because they carry cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver to be excreted from the body. Individuals with high HDL levels (above 35mg/dl) have a lower risk of heart disease. Regular exercise helps to increase HDL levels. HDLs are not found in food, only in the body.

Anabolic steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building, and “androgenic” refers to increased masculine characteristics. “Steroids” refers to the class of drugs. These drugs are available legally only by prescription, to treat conditions that occur when the body produces abnormally low amounts of testosterone, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence. They are also prescribed to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass. Abuse of anabolic steroids, however, can lead to serious health problems, some irreversible.

Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to diseases of the heart and diseases of the blood vessel system (arteries, capillaries, veins) within a person's entire body, such as the brain, legs, and lungs. "Cardio" refers to the heart and "vascular" refers to the blood vessel system. Heart disease and stroke—the principal components of cardiovascular disease—are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for more than 40% of all deaths.

Heart attack
A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, causing injury to the heart muscle. Injury to the heart muscle causes chest pain and pressure. If blood flow is not restored within 20 to 40 minutes, irreversible death of the heart muscle will begin to occur. Muscle continues to die for 6-8 hours at which time the heart attack usually is "complete." The dead heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue.

Heart disease
Heart disease refers to diseases of the heart and the blood vessel system within the heart.

Progesterone
Progesterone is naturally secreted by the ovary in the second two weeks of the menstrual cycle in reproductive age ovulating women. Progesterone or progesterone-like substances called progestogens or progestins are also ingested by women in birth control pills, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, or just sometimes to induce a menstrual period or regulate abnormal bleeding problems if menses are skipping or bleeding is irregular or prolonged. Progesterone has been used also as therapy for PMS syndrome and for women with infertility or frequent pregnancy loss.

Monounsaturated fat
Monounsaturated fat is considered to be probably the healthiest type of general fat. It has none of the adverse effects associated with saturated fats, polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Oils high in monounsaturates are better oils for cooking. Olive oil (73 per cent) rapeseed oil (60 per cent) hazelnuts (50 per cent) almonds (35 per cent) Brazil nuts (26 per cent) cashews (28 per cent) avocado (12 per cent) sesame seeds (20 per cent) pumpkin seeds (16 per cent).

Lipoprotein
Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by certain proteins. When these proteins wrap around cholesterol and other types of fats (lipids) to transport them through the bloodstream, the resulting “packages” are called lipoproteins. There are four different types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream: High-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are associated with “good” cholesterol. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are associated with “bad” cholesterol. Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which are associated with "very bad" cholesterol. Chylomicrons, which only carry a small percentage of cholesterol. Chylomicrons are mostly rich in another type of fat (lipid) called triglycerides.

LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are associated with “bad” cholesterol.One of the four different types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream.

Hypertriglyceridemia
High levels of triglycerides in the blood create a condition referred to as hypertriglyceridemia. Elevated levels of triglycerides can slow the flow of blood, and is now recognized as independent risk factor for heart disease.

Hypercholesterolemia
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) can cause the formation and accumulation of plaque deposits in the arteries. Plaque is composed of cholesterol, other fatty substances, fibrous tissue, and calcium. When it builds up in the arteries, it results in atherosclerosis, or coronary heart disease.

Healthy weight
Having a healthy weight depends on your body mass index or BMI, BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person's height and weight. BMI equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m2). Risk of Associated Disease According to BMI and Waist Size BMI Waist less than or equal to40 in. (men) or35 in. (women) Waist greater than40 in. (men) or35 in. (women) 18.5 or less Underweight -- N/A 18.5 - 24.9 Normal -- N/A 25.0 - 29.9 Overweight Increased High 30.0 - 34.9 Obese High Very High 35.0 - 39.9 Obese Very High Very High 40 or greater Extremely Obese Extremely High Extremely High.

Cholesterol screening
Cholesterol screenings have the potential to detect large numbers of people with high blood cholesterol levels besides those detected in the physician's office. Public screenings can also raise awareness of high blood cholesterol as a risk factor for coronary heart disease, the first step toward modifying lifestyle to reduce risk. High-density lipoprotein, HDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol should be measured.

Cloggedarteries
When a blood clot blocks off the coronary artery it creates then the type of heart attack known as coronary thrombosis. Lack of oxygen actually kills the cells in part of the heart after a few minutes, the damage is permanent.

Cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite, Lo-Cholest)
Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins, Cholestyramine is prescribed, along with dietary changes, to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and total cholesterol.

Questran (Prevalite, Lo-Cholest, Cholestyramine)
Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins, Questran is prescribed, along with dietary changes, to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and total cholesterol.

Prevalite (Cholestyramine, Questran, Lo-Cholest)
Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins, Prevalite is prescribed, along with dietary changes, to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and total cholesterol.

Lo-Cholest (Prevalite, Cholestyramine, Questran)
Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins, Lo-Cholest is prescribed, along with dietary changes, to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and total cholesterol.

Clofibrate (Abitrate, Atromid-S, Claripex, Novofibrate)
Clofibrate is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels.

Atromid-S (Abitrate, Clofibrate, Claripex, Novofibrate)
Atromid-S is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels.

WelChol (colesevelam)
WelChol contains colesevelam hydrochloride a lipid-lowering agent intended for oral administration. Colesevelam is a high capacity bile acid binding molecule. Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins.

Colesevelam (WelChol)
Colesevelam contains colesevelam hydrochloride a lipid-lowering agent intended for oral administration. Colesevelam is a high capacity bile acid binding molecule. Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins.

Simvastatin (Zocor)
Simvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Simvastatin is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Zocor (Simvastatin)
Zocor is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Zocor is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

COLESTID (Colestipol)
The active ingredient in COLESTID Tablets is micronized colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins.

Colestipol (Colestid)
The active ingredient in COLESTID Tablets is micronized colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. Part of group of medications called bile acid binders or resins.

Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Rosuvastatin is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Crestor ( Rosuvastatin)
Crestor is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Crestor is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Fluvastatin (Lescol)
Fluvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Fluvastatin is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Lescol (Fluvastatin)
Lescol is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Lescol is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

LOPID (Gemfibrozil)
LOPID is a lipid regulating agent which decreases serum triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and increases high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol.

Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Gemfibrozil is a lipid regulating agent which decreases serum triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and increases high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Atorvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Lipitor is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Lipitor is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Lovastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Lovastatin is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Mevacor (Lovastatin)
Mevacor is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Mevacor is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Pravastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Pravastatin is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Pravachol (Pravastatin)
Pravachol is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Pravachol is an inhibitor in cholesterol biosynthesis. Part of group of medications called statins.

Nicotinic Acid ( Niacinol, Nicotinex, Niacin)
Nicotinic Acid belongs to the B-vitamin family. It is sometimes referred to as vitamin B3. Niacin, via its metabolites, is involved in a wide range of biological processes, including the production of energy, the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and steroids, signal transduction, the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of genomic integrity.

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinol, Nicotinex)
Niacin belongs to the B-vitamin family. It is sometimes referred to as vitamin B3. Niacin, via its metabolites, is involved in a wide range of biological processes, including the production of energy, the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and steroids, signal transduction, the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of genomic integrity.

Estrogen
Estrogen is not one hormone, it is the name of a group of hormones. There are three principle forms of estrogen found in the human body estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estradiol (E2) is the primary estrogen produced by the ovaries. Estrone (E1) is formed from estradiol. It is a weak estrogen and is the most abundant estrogen found in the body after menopause. Estriol (E3) is produced in large amounts during pregnancy and is a breakdown product of estradiol. Estriol is also a weak estrogen and may have anti-cancer effects. Before menopause estradiol is the predominant estrogen. After menopause estradiol levels drop more than estrone so that now estrone is the predominant estrogen.