Managing Your Cholesterol

Vocabulary flashcards covering the biological functions, lipid classifications, clinical reference values, dietary strategies, and complications associated with managing cholesterol.

Cholesterol

A waxy substance—technically classified as a sterol (unsaturated steroid alcohol)—wherein $75\%$ is synthesized in the liver and the remainder is obtained through diet.

Sterol

An unsaturated steroid alcohol, which is the precise chemical classification of cholesterol.

Lipoproteins

Particles composed of lipids and proteins in which cholesterol circulates through the bloodstream, primarily categorized into HDL and LDL.

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

The 'good' cholesterol containing a higher proportion of protein than cholesterol, which transports cholesterol from body tissues to the liver for excretion in bile.

Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

The 'bad' cholesterol containing a higher proportion of cholesterol than protein, which adheres to inflamed or damaged arterial walls to form plaque buildup.

Familial hypercholesterolemia

A genetic predisposition that affects receptor-mediated lipid clearance in the liver, leading to elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Triglycerides

A form of blood fat (lipid) that stores surplus kilojoules in adipose cells and is mobilized by hormones to provide energy between meals.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones that can contribute to or present as abnormally elevated blood triglycerides.

Neuroprotective function of cholesterol

The essential role of cholesterol in acting as an antioxidant and preserving the normal membrane structure and function of brain nerve cells.

Desirable Total Cholesterol Level

A blood concentration of less than $200\,\text{mg/dL}$ in individuals evaluated for heart disease.

Desirable HDL Cholesterol Level

A blood concentration greater than $45\,\text{mg/dL}$ in individuals evaluated for heart disease.

Desirable LDL Cholesterol Level

A blood concentration of less than $130\,\text{mg/dL}$ in individuals evaluated for heart disease.

Desirable Triglyceride Level

A blood concentration of less than $200\,\text{mg/dL}$ on standard clinical reference tables, with general target guidelines recommending a level below $150$.

Dietary cholesterol limit

A recommended cap of $300\,\text{mg}$ per day, achieved in part by limiting consumption of organ meat and red meat to three times per week.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Cardioprotective polyunsaturated fatty acids found in high concentrations in fish such as cod, tuna, salmon, mackerel, and herring.

The Heart Mark

An emblem developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa indicating foods that are low in cholesterol, saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, and high in fibre.

Cortisol

A steroid stress hormone synthesized from cholesterol whose circulating levels decline with stress reduction, helping lower blood pressure and blood glucose.

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture

The breakdown of an unstable arterial lipid lesion that stimulates blood clot formation, obstructing blood flow and precipitating a heart attack or stroke.

Incubation period of high cholesterol

An asymptomatic preclinical phase lasting up to $10$ to $20$ years during which metabolic pathology develops before clinical symptoms appear.