Hi my name is Fayla Dominguez and I am the Cardiologist in the group.

One issue that our patient have is high cholesterol. 75% of cholesterol is produce by the liver and 25% of the cholesterol comes from what we eat, but too much of the fat or lipid which is the cholesterol can lead of getting heart disease. The patient, Margret Collins's cholesterol levels seems to be at the border line. Her total cholesterol is 212mg/dL which is a little bit higher than normal which is 200mg/dL. The LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol seems to be high, 135mg/dL and normal is 100mg/dL. The LDL can build up plaque which is fat in the arteries and it can lead into stroke. Lastly is the HDL or the good cholesterol. Her level is at the border line which might be better than ranges. It is at 42mg/dL and the normal one is 40mg/dL. Margret might be producing too much of the LDL cholesterol from her liver. But she still produces enough of the HDL cholesterol. The HDL cholesterol collects the LDL cholesterol and brings it back to the liver.

Lifestyle changes include a heart healthy diet and exercising. Margret, who is been diagnosed with high cholesterol level, should not eat saturated fats that is found in red meats and dairy products. As a result, plaque can build up in the arteries, and can result a heart stroke. Margret should focus in eating more whole grains. Whole grains have fibers that can increase the HDL cholesterol and helps to reduce the LDL. Eating fatty fish like salmon can prevent blood clots from happening but eating too much can lead into weight gain so instead she should eat in moderation. The fish have protein that can also help to reduce the bad cholesterol which is the LDL. Exercise is also an important lifestyle she should do. Walking for about 30 minutes a day has an effect to her body. It can lower LDL, triglycerides and raise the HDL cholesterols.