Takashi Shouno writes:

        There are some big differences between patient A and B. At first, patient A does not take exercises every day, on the other hand, patient B does exercise every weekend. Second, patient A 's LDL-cholesterol is not nodal, while patient B's is normal. The third difference is that patient A is male, patient B is female. The last is that A does not smoke, but B does. They also have one important similarity: They like fatty foods (ice cream, eggs, cheese).

        About major risk factors:

        High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking are three major risk factors of coronary artery disease. Cholesterol plays an important role interacting with fats. Cholesterol is categorized into five types. They are chylomicron, VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL. Too much LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) is bad for the arteries, especially, the coronary artery. If there is an injury on endothelials, LDL's cholesterol should be piled up there. Then coronary arteries are shut up. That is called 'arteriosclerosis'. As a result, taking too much cholesterol (LDL) causes to coronary artery disease.

        Suggestions For Patient A:

        He is in a dangerous situation. He must change his every day life and has to stop eating fatty foods, because he was found to have narrowing of the arteries and his LDL-cholesterol level is dangerous. Next, I will show you LDL-Cholesterol categories.

        LDL-Cholesterol Categories: Less than 130 mg/dL equals a good or desirable level; 130 to 159 mg/dL equals a borderline-high risk; 160 mg/dL or above equals a high risk.

        I think he must be eating too much fat. This also is a risk factor for heart disease. He needs to take some exercises to reduce this risk. Regarding his food, he had better quit eating red meat and ice cream containing a lot of fat. Bran muffins, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, multiple-grain cereals, cooked or dry 100% whole-wheat bread are low fat foods. Then I will recommend them for his breakfast.

        Suggestions For Patient B:

        She is now in good health. But she has a possibility to develop heart disease in the future. Her risk factors for heart disease are smoking, obesity and a family history of diabetes. She has to quit smoking immediately and had better eat whole-grain breads instead of white bread. She also needs fiber. Apples, berries, figs, oranges, pears, prunes, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower and Lettuce Potatoes contain fiber.

        Both patients have to change their lifestyles. Take care of yourselves, or the situation may get worse!

         

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