hyperlipidemia Flashcards
cardiac and renal
What does LDL stand for?
Low density lipoprotein
‘bad cholesterol’
What is the optimal level for LDL cholesterol?
<100 mg/dL
What does HDL stand for?
High density lipoprotein
‘good cholesterol’
What is the minimum level for HDL cholesterol?
> 40 mg/dL or higher
What are triglycerides?
food-carbohydrates, stored unused calories and provide body with energy
What is the optimal level for triglycerides?
<150 mg/dL
Levels above this can increase heart disease risk.
What is the optimal level for total cholesterol?
<200 mg/dL
Levels below this are generally considered healthy.
How do you calculate the cholesterol ratio?
Divide total cholesterol by HDL
A higher ratio indicates a higher risk of heart disease.
What is the desirable cholesterol ratio?
<4.5:1
Ratios above this can indicate increased heart disease risk.
What is the therapeutic effect of statins?
lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
MOA of statins?
Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, stopping cholesterol production and increasing removal of LDL/triglycerides
List some common side effects of statins.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Headache
- Increase liver enzymes
What is a serious adverse effect of statins?
RHABDOMYOLYSIS (generalized muscle breakdown)
Symptoms include muscle soreness, weakness, and tea-colored urine.
What nursing considerations should be taken when administering statins?
- Need liver function tests every 3-6 months (AST/ALT)
- Patients should not consume daily alcohol while taking this medication
What is Rhabdomyolysis?
breakdown of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream.
What complications can arise from Rhabdomyolysis?
renal failure when the kidneys cannot remove waste and concentrated urine.
What are the symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis?
Symptoms include severe muscle pain (burning, cramping), muscle weakness, and dark red or brown urine.
What is the therapeutic effect of bile acid sequestrants?
They decrease LDL and increase HDL.
MOA of bile acid sequestrants?
They help the body get rid of cholesterol, decreasing LDL and increasing HDL by binding with cholesterol in the intestines, preventing absorption of fats into the blood.
What are common side effects of bile acid sequestrants?
GI upset, constipation, and increase in triglycerides.
adverse effects of bile acid sequestrants?
They decrease the ability of the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A-D-E-K).
What are important nursing considerations when administering bile acid sequestrants?
Take with lots of water. Since these drugs block absorption, watch closely for vitamin abnormalities. They interact with warfarin and decrease Vitamin K, so watch INR closely.
example of a bile acid sequestrant?
Cholestyramine (Questran) powder formula.
Therapeutic effect of cholesterol absorption inhibitors?
They reduce total cholesterol and LDL.
