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atherosclerosis
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formation of fatty material called plaques on inner arterial walls
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cholesterol
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major sterol in the body; important for the structure of cell membranes and the production of hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D
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chylomicrons
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lipoproteins produced by enterocytes in the gut; carry triglycerides to the tissues after dietary consumption
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dyslipidemia
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abnormal lipid levels or an imbalance of lipids in the blood
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familial hypercholesterolemia
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genetic disorder that manifests as very high cholesterol levels that can cause early cardiovascular disease
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high-density lipoproteins (HDL or HDL-cholesterol)
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cholesterol-rich lipoproteins made by the liver that function to remove cholesterol from the circulation; “good cholesterol”
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HMG CoA reductase
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enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis
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hypercholesterolemia
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excessive blood levels of cholesterol
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hyperlipidemia
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excessive blood levels of lipids
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hypertriglyceridemia
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excessive blood levels of triglycerides
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lipoprotein lipase
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enzyme that breaks down triglycerides into free fatty acids
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lipoproteins
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combinations of lipids and proteins that carry cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
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low-density lipoproteins (LDL or LDL-cholesterol)
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cholesterol-rich lipoprotein made by the liver and implicated in the development of atherosclerosis; “bad cholesterol”
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pleiotropic effects
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additional beneficial effects of statin medications unrelated to their lipid-lowering effects
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triglycerides
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main dietary source of fat; composed of three long fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone
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very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)
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triglyceride-rich lipoprotein made by the liver