Unit 3 Lecture 3 CVD Risk Factors

What makes up total cholesterol (TC)?

HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol.

What is HDL and what does it do?

“Good cholesterol”; removes cholesterol from the blood.

What is LDL and what does it do?

“Bad cholesterol”; deposits cholesterol in arteries.

What are triglycerides (TG)?

Total triglycerides in plasma, including those carried in lipoproteins.

What is the preferred lipoprotein for lipid assessment?

Typically LDL-C or non-HDL-C.

What is the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the U.S.?

50% of adults

What is the most common cause of dyslipidemia?

Dietary and lifestyle factors.

Name a major genetic cause of dyslipidemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C >190 mg/dL); affects 1 in 300–500 people.

Name disease states that contribute to dyslipidemia.

Hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus.

What dietary patterns improve dyslipidemia?

High in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts/legumes, lean protein.

What foods should be reduced to improve dyslipidemia?

Sweets, SSBs, red meats.

What % of daily kcals should come from saturated fats?

5–6%.

What should be done with trans fat intake?

Reduce calories from trans fats.

When is exercise testing required for dyslipidemia patients?

Not required if asymptomatic and beginning light–moderate exercise.

What guidelines should be followed during exercise testing?

Standard testing guidelines.

What must clinicians be aware of during testing?

Possible undetected CVD

Why may modifications be needed?

Comorbidities

When should FITT be modified for dyslipidemia?

When other chronic diseases are present.

What should adults ≥65 do?

Follow older adult recommendations.

What medication may cause muscle pain or weakness?

Statins.

What serious condition can statins cause?

Rhabdomyolysis.

When should a patient seek medical care for possible statin complications?

If urine becomes brown or red-tinged.

What is the definition of hypertension?

most common, costly, and modifiable major CVD risk factor (typically ≥130/80 mmHg under modern guidelines).

What is the prevalence of HTN in the U.S.?

48% of adults

What are common causes of hypertension?

Age, race/ethnicity, gender, genetics, etc.

What is the central goal of HTN management?

Reduce risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality

What types of interventions are used?

Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic depending on baseline risk.

What lifestyle modifications reduce HTN?

Smoking cessation, weight management, low sodium, moderated alcohol.

What does the DASH diet emphasize?

High K, Ca, Mg, fiber, protein; low saturated/trans fats and sodium.

What should be evaluated during exercise testing?

BP response.

When should exercise/testing be avoided?

SBP >160 mmHg, DBP >100 mmHg, or symptoms/known disease present.

What medications affect exercise testing?

β-blockers (lower HR response), diuretics (fluid/electrolyte risks).

What factors should be monitored during exercise?

BP control, medications, adverse effects, target organ disease, comorbidities, age.

What is common even after BP control?

Exaggerated BP response.

What BP limits should not be exceeded during exercise?

SBP <220 mmHg; DBP <105 mmHg.

What intensity is generally recommended?

Moderate intensity for best risk:benefit.

Is mind-body exercise useful?

Yes, it may be beneficial.

What should be avoided during exercise?

The Valsalva maneuver.

Should some individuals use medically supervised exercise?

Yes, those at moderate–high risk.

What thermoregulation issues may occur?

β-blockers and diuretics may impair heat regulation.

What risk follows exercise due to medications?

Post-exercise hypotension.

What are the benefits of exercise for HTN?

Immediate and clinically meaningful BP reductions.

How can benefits be maximized?

Through greater exercise frequency.