Question

CASE STUDY 10-2

As part of a lipid-screening profile, the following results were obtained for a blood specimen drawn from a 30-year-old woman immediately after she had eaten breakfast:

Triglycerides: 300 mg/dL

Cholesterol: 180 mg/dL

Critical Thinking Questions

1. What other laboratory assays would be of value?

2. Discuss the chances that this patient will develop atherosclerosis.

Answer 1

Lipid Screening profile

Lipid Screening profile is also known as complete cholesterol test or lipid panel. This test includes a panel of blood tests that reveals the level of cholesterol( and triglycerides in the blood. This lipid panel helps to find out any abnormalities related to lipids.( Normal levels: Cholesterol- <200, Triglycerides- <150)

1. Other laboratory assays:

In this case study, the lipid profile test done for cholesterol ( 180mg/dl) and Triglycerides (300mg/ dl). Other tests should include in a lipid profile such as;

* High- density lipoprotein( HDL) ( normal level: >60)

*Low- density lipoprotein( LDL) ( normal level: <130)

Along with these tests 1)Cholesterol: HDL ratio

2)Very low density lipoprotein( VLDL) also can be calculated. These tests and determining the levels helps to screen the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

2. Atherosclerosis: The clogging or hardening of arteries or blood vessels caused by plaques , accumulation of faty deposits ( usually cholesterol).

In this case study the patient Triglycerides level is 300 mg / dl. Above 150 is not a desirable level and above 200 mg/ dl triglycerides is dangerous as she have a higher chance to develop dyslipidemia and risk for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

One of the major cause of Atherosclerosis is high cholesterol level in the blood. Unhealthy blood cholesterol level especially high LDL ( bad cholesterol) and a low HDL ( good cholesterol) gradually leads to the the condition like atherosclerosis and other vascular disorders.

High cholesterol level or high blood pressure may cause minor damage to the inner layers of arteries. On the site of damage, inflammation starts, that can be triggered by LDL and VLDL, resulting in the formation of plaques. Gradually plaque hardens by the deposition of more lipids and the arteries get narrowed. Rupture of the blood vessel at the site of plaque may happen gradually.

Studies show that 75% myocardial infarction occur due to plaque rupture ;that mainly seen in patient with high cholesterol level.