Hypercholesterolemia

Anatomy and Physiology II

Case Study #2

Hypercholesterolemia or high blood cholesterol according to the text under the chapter “Nutrition and Metabolism” states that this condition is an excess of cholesterol in the blood. (Thibodeau,Patton) This condition increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a type of hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other problems. (Thibodeau, Patton) Kevins doctor has advised him to exercise because exercise along with switching to a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats tend to lower blood cholesterol levels. Leo may feel pain when he walks because of the potential tissue damage that is involved with arteriosclerosis which is the blockage of arteries by lipids and other matter. (Thibodeau, Patton) Arteriosclerosis can be treated by vasodilator drugs which triggers the smooth muscles of the arterial walls to relax, causing the arteries to widen. Leo’s condition can also be treated by mechanically opening the affected area of the artery, this procedure is called angioplasty. There are several procedures involving angioplasty using such items as lasers, drills, spinning loops of wire, as well as balloon angioplasty. (Thibodeau, Patton) All are inserted in affected arteries in hopes of clearing the way for normal blood flow. If balloon angioplasty is used to correct mitral valve stenosis the route that the catheter would travel if it enters at the femoral artery would be the External iliac, Abdominal aorta, the Aorta, the Arch of the

aorta on its way back to the heart. I followed this path according to the principal arteries of the body diagram in our text. (Thibodeau, Patton)

One of the other disorders of arteries that are mentioned in our textbook is an aneurysm. An aneurysm is when a section of an artery that has become abnormally widened because of a weakening of the arterial wall. Aneurysms sometimes form a saclike extension of the arterial wall. (Thibodeau, Patton) There are...