A 52-year-old executive was referred to our clinic for risk factor management after undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) as part of an Executive Physical. He has no history of coronary artery disease and exercises regularly without experiencing anginal symptoms.
His family history is notable for a myocardial infarction (MI) in his father at the age of 52 years. He is a lifelong smoker. He does not take medications. His blood pressure was 110/75. His exam was notable for being overweight with a BMI of 27, but was otherwise unremarkable.
His total cholesterol is 206 mg/dL, HDL-C is 46 mg/dL, triglycerides are 178 mg/dL, calculated LDL-C is 124 mg/dL, and non-HDL-C is 160 mg/dL. His fasting glucose is 86 mg/dL. His Hgb A1c is 5.6%.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. Relate lipids to the development of atherosclerosis?
2. Based on the case, what are the risk factors of developing atherosclerosis? Explain each.
3. What diet can you recommend to help improve the condition from atherosclerosis of the subject, give your rationale.
4. In addition to the intervention of the diet, what are other interventions to the patient's management? Explain.
5. Explain the role of HDL and LDL in atherosclerosis.
