Cholesterol Flashcards
_____ is the major sterol in our body
Cholesterol
What is cholesterol’s role?
- Give cell membranes rigidity
- Synthesis adrenal and sex steroids
- Synthesis of bile acids (aid in digestion of fat)
How are lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) transported around the body?
Lipoproteins
What are the 3 main lipoproteins?
VLDL, LDL, HDL
What is the function of VDLD?
Made and secreted into the blood by the liver for use by tissues- Mainly TG, some cholesterol
What is the function of LDL?
Made by removal of TG from VLDL in peripheral tissues- Contain mainly cholesterol — Most atherogenic lipoprotein, level in plasma controlled by liver uptake (LDL receptor)
What is the function of HDL?
Protective against risk of atherogenesis-
Its function is to
bring cholesterol back to liver from tissues
Why are cholesterol and lipids viewed as bad?
The Framingham Heart Study showed a positive correlation between LDL-Cholesterol and the risk of Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease
Explain the process of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries
Begins with the deposition of cholesterol-containing particles (lipoproteins) on the arterial wall. Atherosclerotic plaques begin to narrow the lumen of the artery. Plaques can rupture, platelets bind to the exposed core of the plaque, and the formation of a thrombus (clot) is initiated. The clot blocks coronary artery blood flow and causes a heart attack (MI)
What are the risk factors for heart disease?
- Age
- Genetics (family history of heart disease)
- Smoking
- DM
- HTN
- LDL cholesterol >130 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol < 45 mg/d
How can cholesterol and fat be reduces?
- Reduce fat intake (<30% of total calories)
- Reduce cholesterol intake (<200 mg/day)
- Reduce calories
- Take advantage of beneficial plant stanols/sterols, fish oil
- Increase exercise.
What are the main drugs/drug groups for hypercholesterimia?
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (-statins)
- Niacin
- Bile acid-binding resins
