A eukaryotic sterol molecule which is the precursor of bile acids and steroid hormones and an important component of cell membranes affecting their fluidity and permeability. Most cholesterol is synthesized by the liver and other tissues but some is acquired through the diet. Transportation of cholesterol in the blood plasma is accomplished by specific lipoproteins. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic syndrome of impaired carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism resulting from insufficient secretion of insulin from the pancreas or target tissue resistance to insulin. Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Presently, there are no routine data available which provide a measure of the force of morbidity for cardiovascular disease. Hospitals participating in this database submit data to CIHI on a monthly basis. As well, this database does not capture those individuals who are not hospitalized but have the disease. Also, it does not include any out patient procedures. The database may not accurately show the trends in morbidity from a disease.