Pharmacology Medicine Coursework (Coursework Sample)

Pharmacology
Name
Institution
Describe dyslipidemia and relate it to metabolic syndrome
Dyslipidemia simply refers to elevated level of lipids i.e. triglycerides, cholesterol or both transported in the blood. The term also consists of hyperlipidemia which refers to unusually elevated levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, or triglycerides and unusually reduced levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL). Dyslipidemia is an important part of metabolic syndrome. This is because the definition of these two terms consist hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol concentration as components. People diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, especially those with obesity of the abdomen, display atherogenic lipid profile that is high which may be the reason for their increased risk of CVD (Levine & Bradley, 2012).
Risk factors
One risk factor is genetics. Gene mutations may cause the body to manufacture excess LDL cholesterol or triglycerides or even fail to get rid of the substances. There may even be over manufacture of HDL cholesterol or its excess removal by the body due to the mutations. Thus, such a risk factor runs in families. Another risk factor is certain disorders. Some disorders may cause an increase in the levels of lipids in the body. For instance, poorly controlled diabetes or chronic kidney disease can lead to an increase in the levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the body. Utilization of certain drugs like oral contraceptives, retinoids is yet another risk factor. They cause the levels of lipids to increase in the blood
Pathology involved
Dyslipidemia may result from lack of lipoprotein particles clearance or excess production of the particles, or even related to other defects like deficiencies in enzymes. The pathways and means of metabolism of lipids in the body of humans represent processes that are complex, and genetics, medications, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions may all in one way or another have an effect on metabolism of lipoprotein, leading to the dyslipidemic condition.
Laboratory Testing
In order to measure the levels of HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, a blood sample is used. When measured, the blood sample will thus give an indication of an individual’s lipid profile status. Results that indicate that lipid levels are high lead to performance of special blood tests in order to identify the specific underlying disorder.
Prognosis
The prognosis is dependent on the type of dyslipidemia. For dyslipidemia linked to metabolic syndrome, research has shown that presence of metabolic syndrome du...