At room temperature, pure cholesterol is a waxy sterol, first identified in the eighteenth century. Essential for maintaining cell membranes, cholesterol can be synthesized by the body's cells. Cholesterol may also be absorbed from the diet. Dietary cholesterol can be channeled through human blood vessels via low density lipoproteins (LDL) or high density lipoproteins (HDL).
An excess of LDL ("bad cholesterol") may cause the formation of plaque or hard deposits in the inner walls of blood arteries, a condition termed atherosclerosis. Relatively high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") may be beneficial.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has a Quick Desk Reference that mentions figures for high LDL cholesterol levels, high total cholesterol levels, high HDL cholesterol levels, various risk factors, lifestyle changes, as well as drug therapies. Harvard Medical School’s "Harvard Health Letter" press release issued in March, 2008 mentions the management of seven common conditions, including high cholesterol, without medication.
High cholesterol levels may be risk factors for retinal vein occlusion and other eye conditions. Preventative cardiologist Dr Annabelle Volgman has said: "Oatmeal is an example of a cardioprotective food that can help lower your cholesterol in conjunction with a heart healthy lifestyle."
by D Sujanani
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