Question

Define saturated and unsaturated fats. Give examples of each fat. Then discuss why it is important to maintain normal blood levels of HDL, LDL. Discuss ideas of how to manage a patient who has high LDL, include possible medications.

Answer 1

Answer: Saturated fats can be defined as those saturated fatty acids which stays solid at room temperature. For example, Butter, meat fat, lard.

Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and have at least one double bond. For example, nuts, soybean as well as olive oils.

It is important to maintain the HDL level because it is known as good cholesterol which keeps the heart healthy whereas the LDL is considered to be bad cholesterol and causes accumulation of the cholesterol which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Those patients who have high LDL should include physical activity such as exercise in their daily routine as well as increase the intake of omega 3 fatty acids. The medicication generally given are antihyperlipidemic drugs such as simvastatin.