Question

Rick is modifying his diet to try to lose weight, but after 3 months, he has not lost any weight, even though he has complied with his diet plan. A follow-up lipid profile reveals the following: total cholesterol, 238 mg/dL; triglycerides, 100 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 28 mg/dL; and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 190 mg/dL. What would you recommend?

A. Continuing the diet plan for another month
B. Starting an exercise program with a goal of uninterrupted aerobic exercise for 30 minutes 2 days a week
C. Stopping his current diet plan and trying another
D. Starting statin drug therapy

Answer 1

Based on Rick's lipid profile results, starting statin drug therapy would be a recommended intervention to help reduce his risk of heart disease and promote weight loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Rick's lipid profile results, it is evident that his total cholesterol level is high, his HDL (good cholesterol) level is low, and his LDL (bad cholesterol) level is high. These lipoprotein levels indicate an increased risk of heart disease, despite his efforts to modify his diet to lose weight. In this case, starting statin drug therapy would be a recommended intervention.

Statin drugs, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, help reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering cholesterol levels. They work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, effectively reducing LDL levels. Starting statin drug therapy can help lower Rick's LDL cholesterol, thus reducing his risk of heart disease and promoting weight loss.

It is important to note that the decision to start statin therapy should be made by a healthcare professional after a thorough evaluation of Rick's overall health and individual circumstances. Close supervision and monitoring are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.