National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

How does elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein affect coronary artery disease (CAD)?

1. All cholesterol is bad, and totals should be below 200 mg/dL.

2. Elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein increase the risk of developing CAD.

3. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein increase the risk of developing CAD.

4. Cholesterol is not an important factor in the risk of CAD, and triglycerides should be kept low.

The correct answer is: Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein increase the risk of developing CAD.

Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are directly linked to an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) because LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol." Unlike high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion, LDL contributes to the buildup of plaque within the arterial walls. This process, known as atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow, which can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Maintaining lower levels of LDL cholesterol is therefore considered crucial for cardiovascular health. Guidelines typically recommend keeping LDL levels below certain thresholds to reduce the risk of CAD. This understanding is fundamental in both prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, influencing treatment strategies such as dietary changes, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy. Other choices do not accurately reflect the relationship between cholesterol levels and CAD risk. The statement that all cholesterol is bad oversimplifies the issue, neglecting the protective role of HDL. Additionally, the assertion about elevated HDL levels increasing CAD risk is misleading, as higher levels of HDL are actually associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Similarly, dismissing cholesterol as unimportant in CAD risk ignores well