Which of the following is not a risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

A diet low in fat, particularly saturated and trans fats, is a key strategy to prevent or manage atherosclerosis, not cause it.
Such a diet helps lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, reducing the material available to form arterial plaques.
Therefore, it is a protective factor, not a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis.

Option A: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor. It damages the endothelial lining of arteries, increases platelet aggregation, and lowers HDL ('good') cholesterol.
Option B: Chronic stress is a recognized risk factor. It can lead to high blood pressure and increased levels of hormones like cortisol, which promote inflammation and plaque formation.
Option D: Obesity, especially central (abdominal) obesity, is strongly linked to atherosclerosis. It contributes to other risk factors like insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (high triglycerides, low HDL).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risk factors for atherosclerosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding lifestyle modifications to manage atherosclerosis risk. This includes counseling on diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Screening for atherosclerosis risk factors (measuring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, BMI) is a standard part of primary care and health check-ups.
What if? - If a patient has a non-modifiable risk factor like a strong family history of premature heart disease, the nurse's role shifts to aggressively promoting the management of all modifiable risks to mitigate the genetic predisposition.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question ('not a risk factor'). This means you are looking for the option that is either neutral or beneficial for the condition.
Next, analyze the condition mentioned: atherosclerosis. Recall that this is the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of cardiovascular health.
Smoking: A well-known cause of arterial damage. It's a risk factor.
Stress: Linked to high blood pressure and inflammation. It's a risk factor.
Diet in low fat: This is a recommended dietary change to prevent heart disease. It is not a risk factor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Risk factors for atherosclerosis
Stem keywords: atherosclerosis, risk factor
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a risk factor.

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 506-508

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 294-296

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 89-91

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

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