Physician Assistant: Hello Mr. Brown. How can I help you today?
Mr. Brown: I received the lab results from my recent blood work and I have a few questions and concerns.
Physician Assistant: Let me take a look. I see that your total cholesterol is 210, triglycerides 145, HDL 33 & LDL 160. What questions did you have?
Mr. Brown: I am unsure what these numbers mean. Can you explain them to me?
Physician assistant: I’d be happy to help you. Let’s start with triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, triglycerides are converted into energy. If you eat more calories than you use, you may have high triglycerides. This may especially be a risk if you eat a high carbohydrate, high fat diet.
Your total …show more content…
We have discussed in past visits that you like to watch t.v. while snacking. Do you have questions about any of these causes?
Mr. Brown: I don’t, but I am concerned about changing my habits. I really am not ready to give up the things I enjoy.
Physician assistant: Medication may be an option. However, lifestyle changes are usually very effective in lowering cholesterol. Perhaps adding fresh vegetables & fruit with light dips or low fat, high protein snacks, like reduced fat cheeses, or yogurt into your snacks while reducing higher fat snack. Whole grain breads and crackers are a great option to fried chips & processed flour crackers. Try to eat less red meat & processed meats & more chicken, fish, almonds, pecan or walnuts. How about a walk around the house during commercials? Small changes like this can reap big health benefits.
Mr. Brown: I don’t know. It still sounds like taking a pill would be …show more content…
Medications called statins keep your liver from making cholesterol. Statins help your body use up excess cholesterol. Most people can take statins without many side effects. However, side effects may include “headache, difficulty sleeping, flushing of the skin, muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia), drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramping or pain, bloating or gas, diarrhea, constipation, &/ or rash. Statins also carry warnings that memory loss, mental confusion, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects. It 's important to remember that statins may also interact with other medications you take.”
Mr. Brown: I received the lab results from my recent blood work and I have a few questions and concerns.
Physician Assistant: Let me take a look. I see that your total cholesterol is 210, triglycerides 145, HDL 33 & LDL 160. What questions did you have?
Mr. Brown: I am unsure what these numbers mean. Can you explain them to me?
Physician assistant: I’d be happy to help you. Let’s start with triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, triglycerides are converted into energy. If you eat more calories than you use, you may have high triglycerides. This may especially be a risk if you eat a high carbohydrate, high fat diet.
Your total …show more content…
We have discussed in past visits that you like to watch t.v. while snacking. Do you have questions about any of these causes?
Mr. Brown: I don’t, but I am concerned about changing my habits. I really am not ready to give up the things I enjoy.
Physician assistant: Medication may be an option. However, lifestyle changes are usually very effective in lowering cholesterol. Perhaps adding fresh vegetables & fruit with light dips or low fat, high protein snacks, like reduced fat cheeses, or yogurt into your snacks while reducing higher fat snack. Whole grain breads and crackers are a great option to fried chips & processed flour crackers. Try to eat less red meat & processed meats & more chicken, fish, almonds, pecan or walnuts. How about a walk around the house during commercials? Small changes like this can reap big health benefits.
Mr. Brown: I don’t know. It still sounds like taking a pill would be …show more content…
Medications called statins keep your liver from making cholesterol. Statins help your body use up excess cholesterol. Most people can take statins without many side effects. However, side effects may include “headache, difficulty sleeping, flushing of the skin, muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia), drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramping or pain, bloating or gas, diarrhea, constipation, &/ or rash. Statins also carry warnings that memory loss, mental confusion, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects. It 's important to remember that statins may also interact with other medications you take.”