 Define cholesterol.  Discuss the purpose of lipoproteins.  Distinguish between LDL and HDL.

Fatty streak Thrombotic athero lesion, myocardial infarct Early and late atherosclerotic lesions

 Large fatty acid (lipid)  Soft, fat-like substance  Yellow color in blood  Production  20 to 25% in Liver  Also produced in intestines, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs  Absorbed  Cholesterol is absorbed from food as it passes through the intestines.  Structure  Water insoluble (transported in lipoproteins)

 Forms cell membrane  Insulation of nerve cells  Bile acid production  Digestion  Water absorption in kidney  Steroid hormone production  Testerone  Aldosterone  Vitamin D Synthesis

 Production of cholesterol  1000 milligrams per day  Dietary cholesterol  Animal products  Cheese  Egg  Beef  Pork

 Are HDL and LDL cholesterol?

 5 Types of Lipoproteins  They are all proteins, not cholesterol  Chylomicrons  Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)  Intermediate Density Lipoprotein (IDL)  Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)  High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

 Less than 200 mg/dL  Desirable level  200 to 239 mg/dL  Borderline high  240 mg/dL and above  High blood cholesterol*  A person with this level has more than twice the risk of heart disease as someone whose cholesterol is <200 mg/dL.

 Enables fats and cholesterol to move within the blood stream.  Transports cholesterol from liver to tissues  Can form fatty deposits (plaque) in arteries  Leads to clots and heart disease  This is due to size of particles!!!!!  Small size get stuck in arteries  It oxidizes and then inflames  Can only be changed through exercise, not drugs  Considered as “bad cholesterol”

 Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal  100 to 129 mg/dL Near or above optimal  130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline high  160 to 189 mg/dL High  190 mg/dL and above Very High

 Smallest, but densest lipoprotein  Believed to remove cholesterol from arteries  Transports cholesterol back to liver for safe disposal  As a form of recycling  Cholesterol is a complex molecule  Considered “good cholesterol”  Reduces heart disease

 Less than 40 mg/dL Low level.  A major risk factor for heart disease.  40 to 59 mg/dL  Optimal. The higher, the better!  60 mg/dL and above  High HDL cholesterol

 Atherosclerosis  A buildup of cholesterol on arterial walls (plaque)  Familial hypercholesterolemia  Lack of LDL receptors  Cannot remove enough cholesterol from blood

 Reduce saturated fatty acids  Exercise  No smoking  Increase monounsaturated fatty acids  Canola oil, olive oil, peanuts, etc  Eat more fruits, oatmeal, vegetables, and grains  Lose weight

 Statins  The most commonly prescribed cholesterol medications.  Block cholesterol production in the liver, decreasing LDL levels while raising HDL levels slightly.  Examples:  Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor),  Fluvastatin (Lescol),  Rosuvastatin (Crestor),  Simvastatin (Zocor).