Glossary of Terms

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C CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) A group of 14 tests that provide important information about the status of kidneys, liver, electrolyte and acid/base balance, blood sugar and blood proteins. A broad screening tool, the CMP is also used to monitor complications of diseases or side effects of some medications. C-reactive protein (CRP) One of the plasma proteins known as acute-phase proteins: proteins whose plasma concentrations increase (or decrease) by 25% or more during inflammatory disorders. CRP is a test of value in medicine, reflecting the presence and intensity of inflammation although an elevation in C-reactive protein is not the absolute diagnostic sign of any one condition. Inflammation is believed to play a major role in the development of coronary artery disease; markers of inflammation have been tested in respect to heart health. In a recent study, CRP was found to be the only marker of inflammation that independently predicts the risk of a heart attack. Carbohydrates Primarily sugars and starches which constitute one of the three principal types of nutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Carbohydrates come in complex forms such as starches and fiber and simple forms such as sugars. Most sugars and starches are broken down by the body into glucose, a simple sugar that can be used to feed cells. Cardiologist A physician who is certified to treat problems of the cardiovascular system—the heart, arteries and veins, all key areas damaged by Metabolic Syndrome. Cardiology is classified an internal medicine subspecialty. Knowledge of internal medicine and other specialties is required to obtain certification. Cardiovascular Disease A disease affecting the blood vessels or heart. Cholesterol The body's most common type of steroid, it is crucial to the formation of Vitamin D, sex hormones (progesterone, estrogens and androgens), mineralocortcoid hormones (aldosterone) and glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol) and bile acids (for digestion of fat). It is carried in the blood stream as lipoproteins, e.g. LDL (low density lipoproteins) or “good” cholesterol and HDL (high density lipoproteins) or “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol is also essential for cell membrane function. Chromium A trace mineral considered essential to health, it is linked to the production of glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which affects insulin binding receptors and thus, stability of blood glucose levels. It is also involved in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Chromium picolinate A biologically active chromium salt containing three picolinic acid ligands that is used as a dietary supplement. Cimetidine (Tagamet) Cimetidine belongs to a class of medications called H2-blockers that inhibit the action of histamine on the stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production. Coronary heart disease (Coronary artery disease) Coronary heart disease (or coronary artery disease) is the most common form of heart disease and affects the blood vessels (or coronary arteries) of the heart. It causes angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. High blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, obesity and not being physically active all put individuals at risk for coronary heart disease. Cortisol A hormone released in the body during stressed or agitated states. But cortisol is more than a simple marker of stress levels - it is necessary for the functioning of almost every part of the body. Made in the adrenal glands, adjacent to the kidneys, it has important roles in the regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular functions, key areas affected by Metabolic Syndrome. Cortisol also helps to regulate the body's use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A  B  [C]  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z Click here to read about Metabolic Syndrome and High Cholesterol