Renee and Karl have been married for six years, and have twoactive children, ages 2 and 5. The kids keep both parents busy,chasing the kids around and, recently, preparing the oldest childfor kindergarten. In addition, both Renee and Karl work full time,so there isn’t a lot of free time to do things that are importantto their health, like see the doctor for regular physicals. Bothare healthy, so they haven’t been too worried.
Renee went for routine physical last week and had blood workdrawn. (It had been three years since her last physical.) Thedoctor called during the day with some worrying results. Afterputting the kids to bed, Renee was ready to talk through theresults with Karl. Karl, with a worried look on his face, askedwhat was up. Renee told him that her cholesterol levels were veryhigh. In fact, her total cholesterol was 220. Her HDL was 20, andher LDL was 200. That information, combined with the fact that herfather had passed away at a young age from a heart attack, worriedthe doctor…and Renee.
1) What are HDL and LDL?
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2)What is the normal role of cholesterol in the body? Do youneed cholesterol? (Hint: Remember cell membranes.)
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3)What are the health consequences of high cholesterol?
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4)What could be causing Renee’s high cholesterol levels?Describe at least three possible contributing factors.
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