Download or read book Cholesterol in Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease written by Jean P. Kovala and published by Nova Publishers. This book was released on 2005 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all the body's cells. It's an important part of a healthy body because it's used to form cell membranes, some hormones and is needed for other functions. But a high level of cholesterol in the blood -- hypercholesterolemia -- is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. Cholesterol and other fats can't dissolve in the blood. They have to be transported to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are several kinds, but the key ones are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) Low-density lipoprotein is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. If too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries feeding the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This field is alive with exciting new research in all areas including frontal advances in the areas of managing cholesterol as well as cholesterol lowering drugs. This new book focuses on cholesterol in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.