Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance that is produced in the liver.40 Cholesterol is necessary to make hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. It is a key ingredient in cortisol which helps control the inflammation. Cholesterol is necessary for vitamin D production from sunlight. It also helps create bile acids that digests fats. Cholesterol also plays a significant role in the synthesis of cell membranes. Cholesterol is insoluble in water so it needs the transportation facility from a protein to move them around in the body through bloodstream to fulfill their role in the membrane biogenesis. Cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream and enters cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Instead of circulating freely, cholesterol molecules …show more content…
Elevated low-density lipoproteins or LDL cholesterol is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.48 The majority of the cholesterol in the blood is contained in low-density lipoprotein which transports cholesterol from the liver to nerve tissues, cell membranes, and other cells for metabolic purposes. The cholesterol in atherosclerotic plague is derived mainly from excess LDL cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein is believed to function as a retrieval service, removing cholesterol from the circulation to the liver for excretion.48 For this reason, HDL is often referred to as the “healthy” or “good” cholesterol. Accumulation of more and more fatty substances in the walls of the arteries result in stenosis (occlusion) of the lumen of the blood vessel that decreases the blood flow volume. The rough surface created by atherosclerotic plague increases the probability of a thrombosis because the platelets are designed to aggregate or attach to the rough surfaces. This reduces the nitric oxide bioavailability and thus resulting in the endothelial