Betsy Winslow is a 62-year-old retired school teacher. She is 5'3" tall and weighs 155 pounds. Mrs. Winslow is a member of a walking group that meets three mornings a week. She walks two miles each morning. After experiencing episodes of chest pain and shortness of breath when walking, she made an appointment to see her physician. Her laboratory results are as follows: total cholesterol: 251 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol: 47 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol: 146 mg/dL; triglycerides: 203 mg/dL.
Mrs. Winslow's 24-hour recall reveals the following intake:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast with butter and jelly, 2% milk
Lunch: Hamburger pizza, salad with Italian dressing, Coke
Snack: 3 chocolate cookies, 2% milk
Dinner: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn on the cob, sweet tea, coconut cake
Snack: Ice cream

-What level of risk would Mrs. Winslow's HDL level be classified as?

Question

Betsy Winslow is a 62-year-old retired school teacher. She is 5'3" tall and weighs 155 pounds. Mrs. Winslow is a member of a walking group that meets three mornings a week. She walks two miles each morning. After experiencing episodes of chest pain and shortness of breath when walking, she made an appointment to see her physician. Her laboratory results are as follows: total cholesterol: 251 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol: 47 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol: 146 mg/dL; triglycerides: 203 mg/dL.
Mrs. Winslow's 24-hour recall reveals the following intake:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast with butter and jelly, 2% milk
Lunch: Hamburger pizza, salad with Italian dressing, Coke
Snack: 3 chocolate cookies, 2% milk
Dinner: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn on the cob, sweet tea, coconut cake
Snack: Ice cream
​
-What level of risk would Mrs. Winslow's HDL level be classified as?​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mrs. Winslow's HDL level of 47 mg/dL would be classified as high risk because it is below the desirable level of 60 mg/dL. Low HDL levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Answer: Mrs. Winslow's diet is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels. She should aim to decrease her intake of foods high in saturated fat, such as bacon, fried chicken, and butter. She could swap these foods for lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish, and use healthier cooking methods such as baking or grilling instead of frying. Including more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in her meals can also help improve her cholesterol levels. Additionally, Mrs. Winslow may benefit from adding regular exercise to her routine beyond her walking group to further improve her cardiovascular health.

Betsy Winslow Is a 62-Year-Old Retired School Teacher