Cholesterol is a multifunctional molecule that is integral to life. It is a waxy substance that is an essential component of the cell membrane and the nervous system, as well as a precursor for steroid hormones such as hydrocortisone, estrogen, and testosterone. Other cholesterol‐related products are bile acids and vitamin D. Cholesterol is transported in the blood by lipoproteins.
Most disorders related to cholesterol result from its accumulation. This may occur due to either alterations in production or removal. Disorders resulting from a deficiency of cholesterol are rare and may either result in no symptoms or manifest at a younger age. Excess amounts of cholesterol in the body cannot be effectively removed, and are deposited in blood vessels. This results in blockage to the organs supplied by the blood vessels, leading to a variety of events including stroke, heart attack, impaired kidney function, aortic aneurysms, poor circulation in the limbs, and even gangrene. Therefore,...
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Suggested Readings
Malloy MJ, Kane JP (2004) Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism. In: Greenspan FS, Gardner DG (eds) Basic and clinical endocrinology, 7th ed. McGraw‐Hill, New York, pp 766–793
Suggested Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Cholesterol Education Program. Bethesda, MD. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm
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Kermani, A. (2008). Cholesterol. In: Loue, S.J., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_87
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