Patricia is 56 years of age, she has had essential mild hypertension for 30 years that is stabilized by using ACE inhibitors

Patricia is 56 years of age, she has had essential mild hypertension for 30 years that is stabilized by using ACE inhibitors. Her mother is 82, is alive and doing well but had experienced an myocardial infarction at 52 years of age. Both her mother and aunt are treated for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.  She is 30 pounds overweight but takes care of her diet and exercise 30 minutes everyday. She does not smoke or drink alcohol. She is on hypercholesterolemia medications and her lipid profile is good and stable. Her EKG and echocardiogram show normal heart imaging.

1. What are Patricia’s risk factors for cardiac diseases?

2. What are the positive things that Patricia has in her lifestyle?

3. What are LDL & HDL and how do they affect the blood vessels?

4. What are the normal values of LDL and HDL in the blood?

5. What can an EKG show?

6. What can an echocardiogram tell the doctor about the structure of the heart?

7. What other tests can the doctor perform?

8. Describe the signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction.

9. What recommendations would be given to Patricia?