CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that helps your body make cell
membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in your blood comes
from two sources: the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all the
cholesterol your body needs.

Cholesterol and other fats are carried in your bloodstream as spherical particles
called lipoproteins. The two most commonly known lipoproteins are low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

IUPAC NAME : Cholest-5-en-3β-ol

Properties

Chemical C27H46O
formula

Molar mass 386.65 g/mol

Appearance white crystalline powder

Density 1.052 g/cm3

Melting point 148 to 150 °C (298 to 302 °F;

421 to 423 K) 

Boiling point 360 °C (680 °F; 633 K)

(decomposes)

FORMS OF CHOLESTEROL
The types of cholesterol and lipoproteins include:

 Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or Bad Cholesterol — Plaque Builder

When too much LDL circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that
feed blood to the body. Together with other substances, it can form plaque (or atheroma). Plaque is a
thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries, make them less flexible and limit the amount of blood
they can deliver. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. As the artery narrows and hardens, less
blood can get through, causing ischemia, or a lack of necessary nutrients. If a clot or blockage forms in a
narrowed artery to the heart or the brain, a heart attack or stroke can result.

 High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or Good Cholesterol — The Bad Cholesterol Eater

About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. HDL cholesterol is known as
"good" cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of
HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of plaque buildup and heart disease. HDL tends to
carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body — in
a way, it "eats" up the bad cholesterol. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol
from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.

 Triglycerides — Blood Fats

Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to being overweight or
obese, diabetes, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption or a diet very high in
carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides often have a high
total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) level and a low HDL (good) level. Many people with
heart disease and/or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels.

 Lp(a) Cholesterol
Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A high level of Lp(a) is a significant risk
factor for the premature development of fatty deposits in arteries. Lp(a) isn't fully understood,
but it may interact with substances found in artery walls and contribute to the buildup of fatty
deposits.

CONSEQUENCES OF EXCESS CHOLESTEROL TO HEALTH

 It causes increased blood pressure thereby leading to hypertension.

 Heart attack.
 Stroke.
 Cardiovascular and circulatory problems.
 Peripheral arterial disease
CONSEQUENCES OF EXCESS CHOLESTEROL TO AGING

 Hypercholesterolemia.
 Coronary heart diseases.
 Peripheral arterial disease.
 Stroke.
 Hypertension.
 Angina, chest pain.
 Shortness of breath.

IMPORTANCE OF CHOLESTEROL TO HEALTH

 Helps in the maintenance of the cell membrane in the body.

 Cholesterol is needed in the manufacture of sex hormones such as testosterone and
progesterone and also some other hormones such as Aldosterone ( the hormone that
makes kidney to retain water) and cortisol ( the hormone important suppressing
inflammation in the body).
 Cholesterol must also be present for the skin to manufacture Vitamin D.
 Cholesterol enables the body to form bile acids.