Chapter 14: Cardiovascular Disorders

Question 1

Which statement about coronary artery disease (CAD) is accurate?
a. There is a low correlation between modifiable risk factors and CAD.
b. The onset of CAD occurs in middle age women sooner than men of the same age.
c. There is an association between development of specific risk factors and CAD.
d. The lower the C-reactive protein level, the higher the risk for a coronary event.

Answer 1

ANS: C
Research and epidemiologic data collected during the past 50 years have demonstrated a strong association between specific risk factors and the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). In general, CAD symptoms are seen in persons aged 45 years and older.
Primary cardiovascular risk factors are different in men and women, with women having higher rates of diabetes and hypertension compared with men. C-reactive protein (CRP) is
associated with an increased risk for development of other cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, and weight gain. The higher the value, the greater the risk
of a coronary event, especially if all other potential causes of systemic inflammation such as infection can be ruled out.

Question 2

Which value, when elevated, places the patient at lowest risk for coronary artery disease (CAD)?
a. Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs)
b. Triglycerides
c. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
d. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs)

Answer 2

ANS: D
All of the reasons are not completely understood, but one recognized physiologic effect is the ability of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to promote the efflux of cholesterol from cells. This process may minimize the accumulation of foam cells in the artery wall and thus
decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis. High HDL levels confer both antiinflammatory and antioxidant benefits on the arterial wall. In contrast, a low HDL level
is an independent risk factor for the development of CAD and other atherosclerotic conditions.