Glossary

Cholesterol – is a waxy steroid metabolite found in the cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma of all animals. It is essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes, where it is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity in addition, cholesterol is an important component for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones, and fat- soluble vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

LDL cholesterol – Low Density Lipoproteins in cholesterol. Also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.

HDL cholesterol – High density cholesterol. The ‘good’ cholesterol. The higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

Triglycerides – an ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. It is the main constituent of vegetable oil and animal fats.

Atherosclerosis – is the condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol

alpha-tocopherol – the most prevalent form of vitamin E in the body and that administered as a supplement; often used synonymously with vitamin E. Also used as the acetate and acid succinate esters.

Xanthomas – a benign fatty fibrous yellowish plaque, nodule, or tumor that develops in the subcutaneous layer of skin, often around tendons. The lesion is characterized by the intracellular accumulation of cholesterol and cholesterol esters. It is associated with high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.

Coronary artery disease – a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. May also be known as coronary heart disease.

Heart attack – A cardiac event that occurs when blood flow to the heart is decreased or stops because of a narrowed artery or a blood clot. A heart attack can result from untreated high cholesterol levels.

Hyperlipidemia – An excess quantity of lipid in the blood; a symptom of several medical conditions

Hypercholesterolemia – is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Lipids – a substances such as a fat, oil or wax that dissolves in alcohol but not in water. Lipids contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen but have far less oxygen proportionally than carbohydrates.

Saturated fats – any solid fat that is an ester of glycerol and a saturated fatty acid. Also known as ‘the bad fat’

Unsaturated fats – a fat or oil found mainly in vegetables; thought to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Also known as ‘the good fat’

Trans fatty acids – These unhealthy fats, found in processed foods like cooking oil and shortening, can cause very high cholesterol levels and plaque buildup. Your doctor may recommend eliminating trans fats from your diet.