Glossary

Coronary atherosclerosis – the most common kind of coronary artery disease wherein there is hardening of the arteries in which fat is deposited in the artery walls. This can lead to blood clots and heart attack.

Cholesterolosis – a rare condition found in 5% of patients with long-term inflammation of the gallbladder where cholesterol deposits are found in its lining.

Fatty acids – any of several acids found in fat. Essential fatty acids are those that cannot be produced by the body but is needed for its proper growth and functioning. Otherwise, it is called nonessential fatty acid.

Hypercholesterolemia – elevated levels of fasting plasma cholesterol ( >200 mg/dL) which may lead to hardening of the arteries. This can be prevented by avoiding saturated fats which are found in red meats, eggs and dairy products.

Hypothyroidism – a condition of decreased thyroid gland activity resulting to weight gain, sluggishness, dryness of the skin, constipation, arthritis and slowing of the processes of the body.

Sex hormones – These include the testosterone produced by the testes and the estrogen and progesterone, produced by the ovaries. Testosterone stimulates the growth of male characteristics. Estrogen helps in the development of female secondary sex traits (such as breast development).