Question

Mr. Vernon Dursley is at the Hogsmead Clinic for his annual physical check up required by his employer. He has a history of angina with elevated low density lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. Dr. Granger is concerned that Mr. Dursley has not changed his lifestyle with regard to exercise and eating habits since last year, when they discussed this at his previous annual check up.

1. How important are these changes in the treatment of cardiovascular disease?

2. When Dr. Granger prescribes a statin to be taken on a daily basis, what does Mr. Dursley need to know about this medication?

3. Dr. Granger has also prescribed Mr. Dursley nitroglycerin tablets for his angina. What does he need to know about the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets?

4. According to your textbook, after the nitroglycerin container has been opened, how long will these sublingual tablets maintain their strength?

5. Can Mr. Dursley put some of the sublingual nitroglycerin tablets in his clear weekly pill box with his other medications? Explain why?

Answer 1

1).

The risk factors of coronary heart disease are given below.

• Foods rich in saturated fats promote the synthesis of LDL cholesterol
• Ingestion of refined carbohydrates cause hypertriglyceridemia and increases the risk of diabetes and thus, coronary heart disease.
• Obesity, overconsumption of alcohol and smoking are the other risk factors that aggravate the symptoms of coronary heart disease and hypertension.

Foods rich in saturated fats promote the synthesis of LDL cholesterol. High sodium intake increases blood pressure, ingestion of refined carbohydrates cause hypertriglyceridemia and increases the risk of diabetes. Obesity, overconsumption of alcohol and smoking are the other risk factors that aggravate the symptoms of coronary heart disease and hypertension

Lifestyle modifications and dietary approaches also help to reduce the risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease. Consuming a good amount of fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grain products provide necessary nutrients. Other foods that provide more fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are beneficial for hypertensive patients. High sodium intake raises blood pressure.

They can take an adequate amount of unsaturated fats and must reduce the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and alcohol to reduce the risk of developing CHD. Fat-free or low-fat milk products, fruits, vegetables and reducing sodium intake, all help to reduce the blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Mr. Vernon must also avoid smoking, alcohol (if consuming in exessive amounts), and foods containing saturated fats. Implementing the habit of regular exercise is very much useful to maintain good cardiovascular health.