Home > Term: cholesterol
cholesterol
A fatty substance present in all parts of the body. It is a component of cell membranes and is used to make vitamin D and some hormones. Some cholesterol in the body is produced by the liver and some is derived from food, particularly animal products. A high level of cholesterol in the blood can help cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. In the blood, cholesterol is bound to chemicals called lipoproteins. Cholesterol attached to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) harms health and is often called "bad cholesterol." Cholesterol attached to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is good for health and is often called "good cholesterol."
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Health care
- Category: Women’s health
- Government Agency: Womenshealth.gov
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Creator
- Tracy.Young
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(San Jose, United States of America)