Monica - Exam 4: Anti-lipemics Flashcards
What is coronary artery disease?
progressive blood vessel disorder caused by the hardening of arteries
major cause of CAD
atherosclerosis - deposits of lipids within the epithelium that harden with time
Explain the disease progression of an artery with atherosclerosis.
Soft fat deposits within the epithelium. It hardens into plaques. Macrophages are activated to consume the bad cholesterol causing inflammation. The plaques and inflammation lead to stenosis (narrowing) of the artery that can cause occlusion and generate clots.
non-modifiable risk factors for CAD
- age and gender: greatest risk for white middle-aged man; risk increased for females >65
- ethnicity: african-american (2x risk), native-american (<35yo 2x mortality)
- genetic predisposition/family hx
Why does the risk for CAD increase after menopause?
lack of estrogen. estrogen helps maintain higher HDL and lower LDL.
modifiable risk factors
- elevated blood pressure: HTN
- DM
- tobacco use
- physical inactivity
- obesity: linked to bad lipid levels
T/F - HTN accelerates the deposition of plaque in the arteries.
True
How does tobacco use increase the risk of CAD?
Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction lead to elevated BP. Toxins cause vessel inflammation.
How does physical inactivity increase the risk of CAD?
decreased fat metabolism, decreased good cholesterol, increased cardiac workload
triglycerides
- come from excess calories
- excess triglycerides are stored in fat
- source of energy available in the bloodstream but high levels are associated with atherosclerosis
cholesterol
- naturally occurring
- secreted by the liver
- fx: manufacture hormones, cell membranes, bile acids, insulate nerve fibers
- found in animal sources
- promotes atherosclerosis
Biosynthesis of cholesterol is higher at what time?
During the night - that is why anti-lipemics are scheduled qHS
What are lipoproteins?
Lipid+protein molecules that mobilize and transport lipid.
How are lipoproteins classified?
composition, size, and weight
HDL, LDL, VLDL
HDLs are mainly composed of:
protein, thus heavier/more dense
“good” cholesterol
LDLs are mainly composed of:
cholesterol
“bad”
VLDLs are mainly composed of:
triglycerides
“bad”
Why are HDLs considered “good cholesterol”?
They transport LDL away from tissues and arteries, protecting the arteries from lipid accumulation.
Increased HDL leads to decreased risk of CVD
HDL is manufactured in the _____ and _____.
liver and small intestine
Why is LDL considered “bad cholesterol”?
It transports cholesterol from liver to tissues and organs contributing to fatty deposits in arteries.
lab values:
total cholesterol
optimal: <200
borderline in between
high: >240
lab values:
LDL
optimal: <100
near optimal in between
high: >130
lab values:
HDL
optimal: >60
lab values:
VLDL
optimal: 5-30
lab values:
tryglycerides
normal: <150
borderline in between
high: >200
Dietary approaches to lowering cholesterol:
DECREASE intake of: calories, cholesterol, saturated fat
AVOID: trans-fat
INCREASE: mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber
examples of saturated fats
beef, butter, cheese, tropical oils
examples of trans-fats
fried foods, margarine, donuts