Question

A 45-year-old male patient who smokes 1/2 pack per day of cigarettes and has been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type II has a cholesterol of 257mg/dL with the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 190mg/dL and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 37mg/dL. Explain in detail how these levels may contribute to atherosclerosis including the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the difference between HDL and LDL and why the goal for each type is (20 points). What risk factors does this patient have for the development of atherosclerosis and why ? Describe in detail the complications of atherosclerosis including what the complications are and how atherosclerosis contributes to their development . Discussion Board

Answer 1

Atherosclerosis is a condition where excess fats and cholesterol in the body lead to plaque formation in the arteries. This can result in complications such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. The patient you described has high cholesterol levels, including high LDL cholesterol, which increases their risk of atherosclerosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which excess fats and cholesterol in the body lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries. In the case of the patient you described, their high total cholesterol, particularly the high LDL cholesterol level, contributes to atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells, and when LDL levels are too high, cholesterol is deposited in the arteries as plaques. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol, also known as the 'good' cholesterol, transports surplus cholesterol back to the liver to be converted to other substances.

This patient has multiple risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. These include smoking and having Diabetes Mellitus Type II. Smoking has been shown to increase total cholesterol levels and reduce the ratio of good to bad cholesterol. Diabetes is associated with high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

Complications of atherosclerosis include coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. When plaque builds up in the arteries, it narrows the blood vessels and restricts blood flow. If the plaque ruptures, it can form a blood clot, which can completely block blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis can also lead to peripheral artery disease, where the narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing pain and potentially leading to tissue damage and amputation.