High density lipoprotein Health Dictionary

A protein found in the blood lymph and plasma which combines with fats such as cholesterol. It is important for transport of fats in the lymph vessels and blood stream.

High density lipoproteins (HDLs) are blood-fats known to delay deposits of cholesterol on blood vessels, while low density lipoproteins (LDLs) have the opposite effect.

See: HYPERLIPIDAEMIA. HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIA. CHOLESTEROL. ... lipoprotein

A hospital unit equipped and sta?ed to nurse patients who require a high level of technically supported care. Patients are usually moved to such units when they have made satisfactory progress in an INTENSIVE THERAPY UNIT (ITU) and do not require the one-to-one nursing necessary in ITUs. Patients who have undergone major surgery are often transferred from the recovery ward to a high dependency unit until they are well enough to be cared for in a standard ward.... high dependency unit

One of a group of proteins that are combined with lipids in the plasma. Low density lipoproteins (LDLs) are involved in the transport of

cholesterol in the bloodstream. An excess of LDLs (see hyperlipidaemias) is associated with atherosclerosis. (See also high density lipoprotein.)... low density lipoprotein

The ratio of the number of new cases of the disease and the amount of population-time of follow-up (e.g. person-year) of the disease-free population.... average incidence density

An establishment primarily engaged in providing inpatient nursing and rehabilitative services to individuals requiring nursing care.... high dependency care facility

Money, Love, Success, Happiness ... high john the conqueror

Compounds containing lipids and proteins (see LIPID; PROTEIN). Most lipids in blood PLASMA are present in this form and are characterised according to their densities: very low (VLDL), intermediate (IDL), low (LD), high (HDL) and very high (VHDL). Concentrations of lipoproteins are key factors in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease (see HEART, DISEASES OF).... lipoproteins

The number of malaria parasites in a specified volume of blood.... parasite density

The number of a given vector species present. It may be expressed in relative terms (e.g., the biting density in relation to the human host) or in absolute numbers (e.g., the number present in a room, cattle-shed or artificial shelter).... vector density

A diet high in rich carbohydrate foods with sufficient protein to promote efficient elimination and supply vital trace elements in the form of minerals. Such foods produce moist bulky stools easy to pass and reduce blood cholesterol. It reduces LDLs and increases HDLs.

Fibre-deficient foods lead to poor elimination of body wastes and constipation, disposing the colon to a toxic state. This induces depression, a coated tongue and tiredness during the day. Such foods bring about a change in the balance of bowel bacterial flora, and form gas which may cause pouches of diverticulitis to develop. One of its less obvious effects is to enhance the risk of tooth and gum disease. Soon calcium is expelled by the urine and the intake of magnesium reduced, thus favouring the development of stone.

All plant material; leaves, stalks, seeds etc contain fibre. High-fibre foods include: whole grains, wholemeal bread, wholemeal flour (100 per cent extraction rate), crispbreads, biscuits (digestive, bran, oatmeal or coconut), raw green salad materials, potatoes boiled in their jackets, breakfast cereals (porridge, muesli, All-Bran, Shredded Wheat), brown rice, bran (2 teaspoons thrice daily; increase if necessary), fresh or dried fruit once or twice daily. ... diet - high fibre

The compactness of bone tissue in relation to its volume. A decrease in bone density is a normal part of aging. However, in some people, excessive loss of density (see osteoporosis) can lead to fractures. Less commonly, an increase in bone density (see osteosclerosis) occurs in certain disorders (see osteopetrosis; Paget’s disease). Bone density can be measured by a technique known as densitometry, which uses low-dose X-rays.... bone density

The “compactness” of a substance, defined as its mass per unit volume. In radiology, the term relates to the amount of radiation absorbed by the structure being X-rayed. Bone, which absorbs radiation well, appears white on X-ray film. A lung, which contains mostly air, absorbs little radiation and is dark on film. The same holds true in CT scanning and MRI. (See also specific gravity.)... density

see HIFU; ultrasound.... high-intensity focused ultrasound

an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of triglycerides in *chylomicrons and *very low-density lipoproteins to free fatty acids, which are absorbed from the capillaries into local tissues. Deficiency of this enzyme results in severe *hypertriglyceridaemia.... lipoprotein lipase

see specific gravity.... relative density

(VLDL) a *lipoprotein that is the precursor of *low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Containing triglycerides and cholesterol, it is produced in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream, where its triglycerides are hydrolysed to free fatty acids by *lipoprotein lipase. The remaining lipoprotein becomes progressively denser and richer in cholesterol to form LDL.... very low-density lipoprotein