Therapeutic Lifestyle & Pharmacologic Interventions Flashcards

What is the cornerstone of lifestyle modification for dyslipidemia?

Answer: Dietary fat reduction

Dietary fat reduction, particularly of saturated and trans fats, is a cornerstone of lifestyle modification for dyslipidemia. Limiting these unhealthy fats helps lower LDL cholesterol and improve overall lipid profiles. This, combined with increased fiber and plant-based foods, is crucial for cardiovascular health and managing lipid levels.

Which type of exercise is most beneficial for lowering triglycerides?

Answer: Aerobic exercise

Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, is highly effective in lowering triglyceride levels. It also helps increase HDL cholesterol and can contribute to weight loss, further improving lipid profiles. Consistency in aerobic activity is key to achieving these beneficial effects on lipids.

What class of drugs is most commonly used to lower LDL cholesterol?

Answer: Statins

Statins are the most commonly prescribed and effective class of drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol. They work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme essential for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This action reduces the liver's production of cholesterol and increases its uptake of LDL from the blood, significantly lowering LDL levels.

How does niacin affect lipid levels?

Answer: Increases HDL

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is known to significantly increase HDL cholesterol levels, making it one of the most potent agents for this purpose. It also helps lower triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, LDL cholesterol. However, its use is often limited by side effects like flushing and gastrointestinal upset.

Which medication binds bile acids in the intestine?

Answer: Bile acid sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine or colesevelam, work by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. This forces the liver to use more cholesterol to synthesize new bile acids, thereby reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly LDL. They are not absorbed systemically.

What is the mechanism of action for ezetimibe?

Answer: Blocks cholesterol absorption

Ezetimibe works by selectively inhibiting the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol from the small intestine. It targets the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, a critical mediator of cholesterol absorption. This action leads to reduced delivery of cholesterol to the liver and lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Which diet is known to improve lipid profiles?

Answer: Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, has been extensively shown to improve lipid profiles. It emphasizes healthy fats, limits red meat and processed foods, and is associated with lower LDL cholesterol, higher HDL cholesterol, and reduced cardiovascular risk. This dietary pattern promotes overall heart health.

What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids in lipid management?

Answer: Lower triglycerides

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fatty fish, are well-known for their ability to significantly lower triglyceride levels. They achieve this by reducing the liver's production of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and enhancing triglyceride clearance. They also have anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Which patients are good candidates for combination lipid therapy?

Answer: Patients not responding to monotherapy

Combination lipid therapy is typically reserved for individuals who have not achieved their lipid-lowering goals with a single medication (monotherapy). This approach allows for synergistic effects from different drug classes, targeting multiple pathways of lipid metabolism to more effectively reduce cardiovascular risk. It's a strategy employed when initial treatments prove insufficient.