What is the importance of cholesterol?
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What is the importance of cholesterol?
Cholesterol is important We need a small amount of blood cholesterol because the body uses it to: build the structure of cell membranes. make hormones like oestrogen, testosterone and adrenal hormones. help your metabolism work efficiently, for example, cholesterol is essential for your body to produce vitamin D.
What is the clinical importance of the quantitative determination of cholesterol in blood?
Elevated levels of cholesterol increase the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Cholesterol is measured to help assess the patient’s risk status and to follow the progress of patient’s treatment to lower serum cholesterol concentrations.
Why is cholesterol so important?
One of the primary reasons for this widespread effect is because cholesterol plays a critical role within your cell membranes. Your body is composed of trillions of cells that need to interact with each other. Cholesterol is one of the molecules that allow for these interactions to take place.
What is cholesterol, does cholesterol really matter?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in your body. Many people think that cholesterol is harmful, but the truth is that it’s essential for your body to function. Cholesterol contributes to the membrane structure of every cell in your body.
What are the dangers of cholesterol?
Cholesterol in the Body. There are two sources of cholesterol in the body. Endogenous cholesterol is produced in the body and mainly in the liver.
What is “good” cholesterol versus “bad” cholesterol?
When it comes to HDL cholesterol — “good” cholesterol – a higher number means lower risk. This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking the “bad” cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your arteries. A statin can slightly increase your HDL, as can exercise.