Which of the following is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis?

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are a primary modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis.
LDL particles transport cholesterol from the liver into the arterial walls.
Excess LDL becomes oxidized within the artery's intimal layer, triggering an inflammatory response.
This process leads to the formation of foam cells and the development of fibrofatty plaques (atheromas), which narrow the arterial lumen and can lead to cardiovascular events.

Option B: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as 'good cholesterol' because it removes cholesterol from artery walls and transports it to the liver for excretion.
Option C: Low levels of triglycerides are considered normal and healthy. They do not contribute to atherosclerosis.
Option D: Low levels of LDL cholesterol are the desired state and the primary target of lipid-lowering therapies to prevent atherosclerosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Lipid profile abnormalities as risk factors for atherosclerosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in screening patients for dyslipidemia and educating them about the significance of their lipid profile results in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Patient education on lifestyle modifications is a key nursing intervention. This includes advising on a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated/trans fats, high in fiber), regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week), smoking cessation, and weight management.
Nurses are responsible for encouraging medication adherence for prescribed lipid-lowering agents like statins and monitoring for their effectiveness and potential side effects.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors.
First, identify the core concept in the question stem: 'risk factor for... atherosclerosis'.
Recall the fundamental roles of different lipoproteins in cholesterol transport.
Differentiate between 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), which deposits lipids in arteries, and 'good' cholesterol (HDL), which removes them.
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge: High LDL is 'bad' and promotes plaque. High HDL is 'good' and protective. Low triglycerides are desirable. Low LDL is desirable.
Select the option that represents a known cause of plaque formation, which is the accumulation of 'bad' cholesterol.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Lipid profile abnormalities as risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Stem keywords: risk factor, development, atherosclerosis
Lead-in keywords: Which

Q8mjEC2lvI1kOINp18L3Ps

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 500-502

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 292-294

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 184-186

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.