Tuesday, January 21, 2014

HEALTH IMPACT OF CHOLESTEROL, LDL AND HDL

Lipids, like proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids are ubiquitous constituents of all living cells. They function as a primary source of energy, as precursors for the steroid hormones, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and lipoxins, and as important structural components of cell membranes. Dietary sources as well as endogenous synthesis contribute to the lipid pool in the body and steady-state levels are normally maintained within certain limits.
While many issues regarding lipids and cardiovascular disease remain unresolved, an unassail- able body of evidence indicates that abnormalities in plasma lipoprotein concentrations are a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Raised low density lipoproteins (LDL) and reduced high density lipo- proteins (HDL) are separately and jointly responsible. Raised levels of cholesterol in blood, which exist mainly in the form of LDL cholesterol, leads to atheroma formation; in general, the higher the level, the greater the extent of atheromatous involvement.

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