Question

Nursing Homework no handwriting please, at least three paragraph, use only nursing peer reviews and nursing research reference and citations a must

Explain LDL and HDL and the relationship to coronary artery disease.

Answer 1

Ans) LDL is a type of cholesterol that stands for low density lipoprotein. It is usually considered the "bad cholesterol." It is considered bad because of its increased risk of creating plaque buildup. LDL is used in measuring the risk of heart disease. It consists of an outer ring of lipoprotein surrounding a cholesterol center.

- HDL is a type of cholesterol that stands for high density lipoprotein. This cholesterol is usually considered the "good cholesterol." It is considered good because it takes cholesterol to the liver to be disposed of since cholesterol can't be dissolved in blood. HDL along with LDL are used to measure the risk of heart disease.

- During a blood test, LDL and HDL are both monitored along with other things because they are used to help evaluate the patient's risk of heart disease.

- Whether more cholesterol is being taken to or from cells can be determined during a blood test. HDL levels should be at least 40mg/dL or closer to 60mg/dL. LDL should be lower than 129mg/dL or even lower for people that are at higher risks for heart disease.

LDL and HDL relationship to coronary artery disease:

- An excess of LDL can result in plaque buildup on arterial walls which can ultimately result in atheroscerlosis. That is the hardening of the arteries and can lead to heart diseases like a heart attack or stroke. Unlike LDL, higher HDL levels can actually lower the risk of heart disease.

Several things can be done to change the levels of both LDL and HDL in blood:

- A healthy diet with reduced fat and cholesterol will increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels. Saturated fat intake should be limited 7% or less of total calories, cholesterol should be 200mg per day or less, and Omega 3 fatty acids will increase HDL levels. It has been found that physical activity can raise HDL levels 5%. The activity needs to be consistent with at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week.

- An estimated every six pounds that are lost can increase HDL by one and lower LDL by one. Medication can also be used with the other things above.