Week Four Seminar: Hypercholesterolemia and Statin Drugs Flashcards
What is the primary function of lipoproteins in the body?
A) To break down cholesterol into usable components.
B) To transport lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
C) To increase the production of cholesterol in the liver.
D) To eliminate cholesterol from the body through the kidneys.
Correct Answer:
B) To transport lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
Rationale:
Lipoproteins serve as carriers for transporting cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. They help solubilize lipids, allowing them to travel through the blood to different parts of the body.
Which of the following best describes the role of apolipoproteins in lipoprotein function?
A) They break down lipids for absorption.
B) They increase the production of cholesterol in the liver.
C) They act as recognition sites for cell receptors, allowing cells to ingest lipoproteins.
D) They neutralize the effects of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Correct Answer:
C) They act as recognition sites for cell receptors, allowing cells to ingest lipoproteins.
Rationale:
Apolipoproteins are the protein components of lipoproteins. They help by binding to cell-surface receptors and allow cells to ingest lipoproteins for further metabolism. They also play roles in activating enzymes and stabilizing lipoproteins.
How does LDL cholesterol contribute to the development of atherosclerosis?
A) LDL cholesterol increases the production of apolipoproteins in the bloodstream.
B) LDL cholesterol transports excess cholesterol to the liver for excretion.
C) LDL cholesterol can penetrate artery walls and trigger an inflammatory response.
D) LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of plaque formation in arteries.
Correct Answer:
C) LDL cholesterol can penetrate artery walls and trigger an inflammatory response.
Rationale:
LDL cholesterol can penetrate the inner walls of arteries, where it may undergo oxidation and trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this can lead to the formation of foam cells and the accumulation of plaque, contributing to atherosclerosis.
Which of the following is a correct description of the role of HDL cholesterol in the body?
A) HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and tissues.
B) HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to the arteries.
C) HDL cholesterol increases triglyceride levels in the blood.
D) HDL cholesterol triggers plaque formation in the arteries.
Correct Answer:
A) HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and tissues.
Rationale:
HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and tissues, transporting it back to the liver where it can be excreted. This process helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How do HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) help decrease hypercholesterolemia?
A) They activate enzymes that metabolize cholesterol.
B) They block the enzyme responsible for liver cholesterol production.
C) They increase cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
D) They transport cholesterol to the bloodstream for excretion.
Correct Answer:
B) They block the enzyme responsible for liver cholesterol production.
Rationale:
Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, work by blocking the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which is responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. This leads to a reduction in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in the bloodstream, and in some cases, an increase in HDL cholesterol.
Which of the following is an appropriate component of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet to lower LDL cholesterol?
A) Increase intake of saturated fats.
B) Consume 200 mg/day or less of dietary cholesterol.
C) Eat more trans fats to reduce cholesterol levels.
D) Minimize fiber intake to 5 mg/day.
Correct Answer:
B) Consume 200 mg/day or less of dietary cholesterol.
Rationale:
The TLC diet aims to reduce LDL cholesterol and establish a healthy weight. One of its key recommendations is to limit dietary cholesterol to 200 mg/day or less and to reduce saturated fats to less than 7% of total daily intake.
What is one of the key benefits of regular exercise as part of Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC)?
A) It increases the body’s production of LDL cholesterol.
B) It lowers the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
C) It reduces muscle mass and slows metabolism.
D) It decreases the body’s need for dietary cholesterol.
Correct Answer:
B) It lowers the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Rationale:
Exercise is a critical component of Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes because it helps to lower the risk of ASCVD. Engaging in 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day, such as running or swimming, can improve heart health and reduce cholesterol levels.
How does the accumulation of oxidized LDL cholesterol in artery walls contribute to foam cell formation?
A) Foam cells release LDL cholesterol back into the bloodstream.
B) Foam cells are produced when macrophages engulf oxidized LDL cholesterol.
C) Foam cells reduce cholesterol levels by transporting it to the liver.
D) Foam cells increase HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Correct Answer:
B) Foam cells are produced when macrophages engulf oxidized LDL cholesterol.
Rationale:
When LDL cholesterol is oxidized in artery walls, it triggers an inflammatory response. Macrophages are sent to the site and engulf the oxidized LDL, becoming filled with cholesterol and transforming into foam cells. These foam cells accumulate, forming fatty streaks that contribute to atherosclerosis.
What is a potential consequence of plaque buildup caused by LDL cholesterol in the arteries?
A) Increased blood flow to the heart.
B) Development of atherosclerosis and potential for heart attack or stroke.
C) Enhanced removal of cholesterol by HDL.
D) Decreased blood clot formation and reduced cardiovascular risk.
Correct Answer:
B) Development of atherosclerosis and potential for heart attack or stroke.
Rationale:
The accumulation of LDL cholesterol and foam cells in the arteries leads to plaque buildup. This can narrow and harden the arteries, reducing blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to blood clot formation, which may block blood flow, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
What are lipoproteins and their function in cholesterol transport?
A) Lipoproteins are enzymes that break down cholesterol in the liver.
B) Lipoproteins transport lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
C) Lipoproteins destroy cholesterol in the bloodstream.
D) Lipoproteins inhibit cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
Correct Answer:
B) Lipoproteins transport lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
Rationale:
Lipoproteins serve as carriers that transport lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. They help solubilize these lipids, permitting their transport to and from cells.
What is the role of apolipoproteins in lipoprotein function?
A) Apolipoproteins destroy LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
B) Apolipoproteins increase structural stability and activate enzymes that metabolize lipoproteins.
C) Apolipoproteins are harmful to cholesterol metabolism.
D) Apolipoproteins decrease HDL levels in the blood.
Correct Answer:
B) Apolipoproteins increase structural stability and activate enzymes that metabolize lipoproteins.
Rationale:
Apolipoproteins are the protein components of lipoproteins. They help by increasing structural stability of lipoproteins, activating enzymes that metabolize lipoproteins, and serving as recognition sites for cell receptors.
What are two main objectives of the TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) diet?
A) Increase HDL cholesterol and promote weight gain.
B) Reduce LDL cholesterol and establish a healthy weight.
C) Increase LDL cholesterol and decrease fiber intake.
D) Eliminate cholesterol from the diet completely.
Correct Answer:
B) Reduce LDL cholesterol and establish a healthy weight.
Rationale:
The TLC diet aims to reduce LDL cholesterol and promote a healthy weight. It emphasizes reducing intake of cholesterol, saturated fats, and increasing fiber to support heart health.
What exercise recommendations are part of Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) for lowering cardiovascular disease risk?
A) 10 minutes of light stretching per day.
B) 30-60 minutes of daily exercise such as running or swimming.
C) Avoid strenuous physical activity.
D) 5 minutes of exercise once a week.
Correct Answer:
B) 30-60 minutes of daily exercise such as running or swimming.
Rationale:
Regular exercise (30-60 minutes per day) is recommended as part of TLC to lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by improving overall cardiovascular health.
What is the primary mechanism of action of statin drugs in managing hypercholesterolemia?
A) Statins increase cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
B) Statins block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol production in the liver.
C) Statins convert LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.
D) Statins break down cholesterol in the bloodstrem.
Correct Answer:
B) Statins block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol production in the liver.
Rationale:
Statins work by blocking the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which is responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This lowers LDL cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What are the potential side effects of statin drugs that patients should be aware of?
A) Increased energy levels and improved digestion.
B) Muscle pain, liver damage, and an increased risk of diabetes.
C) Weight loss and improved kidney function.
D) High blood pressure and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Correct Answer:
B) Muscle pain, liver damage, and an increased risk of diabetes.
Rationale:
Common side effects of statins include muscle pain, potential liver damage, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular monitoring of liver function and muscle symptoms is important for patients on statins.
