Ryusuke Ono writes:
The biggest difference between patient
A and patient B is that patient A feels chest pains caused by angina, while
patient B feels no pain. This shows that coronary arteries of patient A
can be almost clogged by excess cholesterol, and he has a high risk of
heart attack. It is desirable that the LDL-cholesterol level is less than
130 mg/dL. Between 130 and 159 mg/dL is a borderline-high risk. If the
level is 160 mg/dL or above, he/she has a high risk of heart attack. Patient
A's LDL-cholesterol level is 165. It proves that he has a risk of heart
attack that comes with his chest pain. To the contrary, patient B's arteries
are normal. Her LDL-cholesterol level of 125 also proves that. Another
difference is that patient A does little or no exercising every day, while
patient B rides her bicycle on weekends. Exercise may increase HDL-cholesterol
levels in some individuals.
Suggestions for Patient A: His chest pain called "angina" can
be affected by insufficient supply of oxygen to his heart. According to
the laboratory tests, his arteries which are supplying blood to his heart
can be narrowed. He may suffer or even die of a heart attack if he does
not change his habits. To avoid a heart attack and cure his angina, first
of all, he has to improve his daily diet. He should reduce the amount of
foods that contain high saturated fats and cholesterol such as eggs, milk
and butter. Instead of eating eggs or butter, he should take foods that
contain more polysaturated or monosaturated fats, such as nuts and fish,
etc. Polysaturated and monosaturated fatty acids adjust LDL levels properly
and keep the healthy HDL levels high.
Suggestions for Patient B: Her LDL-cholesterol is no problem. And her habit,
to ride her bicycle on weekends, is good for health. But her favorite food,
cheese, contains high cholesterol, so she should pay attention not to eat
too much cheese. Besides that, she has a family history of diabetes and
is overweight. And she smokes a little. These are important risk factors
for heart diseases. So she must pay more attention to her daily diet. For
example, she should take more vegetables when she has a meal.
General advice for both patients: Both patients should change their lifestyles
to a degree. First, they should keep doing some exercise. If they are free
on weekends, they can find suitable sports to take up. If they have no
time for exercise, they should try not to take a car but to walk when they
go out or move a short distance. Secondly, they have to see a doctor. Especially
patient A, since he is in some danger. Patient B also has possibilities
of developing heart diseases. Doctors may treat both patient properly.
It is desirable that each of them should ask doctors or dietitians for
guidance on their daily diet.
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