A middle-aged man has been diagnosed as being at high-risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease.
• State the chemical composition of the sterol that is present in high levels in most people who belong to the high-risk group.
• Distinguish between the ‘good' and ‘bad' forms of this sterol.
• Explain the function of the good form of this sterol in the body.
• List the food groups that are the sources of the bad form.
To answer these questions, we need to understand the basic concepts related to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and the sterol associated with it, known as cholesterol. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to find the answers:
1. Begin by researching Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and its risk factors. Look for information on the chemical composition of cholesterol and its relation to CAD. Relevant sources include medical websites, scientific journals, and textbooks.
2. Identify the sterol present in high levels in most people who belong to the high-risk group. In this case, it would be LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), commonly referred to as the "bad" form of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is known to contribute to the development of CAD.
3. Now that you have distinguished the "bad" form of cholesterol, you can move on to the "good" form of cholesterol. The "good" form is called HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is eliminated or reused. High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of CAD.
4. Understand the function of HDL cholesterol in the body. HDL cholesterol acts as a scavenger, picking up excess cholesterol from the arterial walls and preventing the buildup of plaque. This makes it a protective factor against CAD.
5. To identify the food groups that are sources of "bad" cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol, research the types of foods that are high in saturated and trans fats. These are the main dietary contributors to LDL cholesterol. Common sources include fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, processed snacks, and desserts.
Remember to consult reliable sources and medical professionals when conducting research, as they can provide accurate and up-to-date information on these topics.