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Cholesterol DictionaryA-E | F-J | K-O | P-S | T-Zatherosclerosis: Thickening and hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup, often as a result of excess LDL cholesterol in the body. bile acid sequestrants: A type of cholesterol-lowering medication. Bile acid sequestrants bind with cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestines and remove them via bowel movements. blood cholesterol: Cholesterol that circulates throughout the bloodstream. High levels of blood cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis and a higher risk of heart disease. blood test: A sample of blood taken from a vein in the arm. A lipid profile blood test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. calories: A measurement that represents the amount of energy the body can receive from foods. Carbohydrates yield about four calories per gram, while fat (saturated and unsaturated) generates about nine calories per gram. carbohydrate: A nutrient that supplies calories to the body. cholesterol: A soft, waxy substance created in the liver from fats and carbohydrates and used to manufacture hormones, bile acid and vitamin D. Present in all parts of the body, including the nervous system, muscle, skin, liver, intestines and heart. chylomicrons: Minute fat particles in the lymph system that are normally quickly cleared from the blood. dietary cholesterol: Cholesterol in the food humans eat. Present only in animal-based foods, not plant-based foods. Like dietary saturated fats, dietary cholesterol raises blood cholesterol, thus increasing the risk of heart disease.
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