Patient X Essay

Patient X’s doctor has been trying to convince him to practice better lifestyle habits to for several years to help combat his hypertension (on antihypertensive medication for 3 years), diabetes (6 years) and growing waistline. A recent routine check-up revealed a deterioration of his lipid profile (TC 260, TG 310, HDL 29, LDL 170) and fasting glucose of 172. Patient X is 55 years old, weighs 245 lbs and he is 5’10 . 1) Hypertension: Weight control to lower the risks associated with hypertension include a diet low in sodium and high in potassium. The risk of hypertension is lower when salt intake is lower and potassium helps reduce blood pressure by increasing the amount of sodium excreted in the urine. The DASH eating plan is the best option for maintaining hypertension. Physical activity is also a major lifestyle modification that should be adopted. Engaging in regular aerobic physical activity such as a brisk walk will lower the risk of hypertension. Diabetes: A diet to help control diabetes also focuses on weight management. Low glycemic index diets have been shown to reduce complications associated with diabetes. Exercise is also a key factor to controlling diabetes. A 3-5 days of the week exercise, which focuses on caloric expenditure and duration rather than intensity, has been proven to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. *Exercise can reduce other risk factors such as weight control, lipid profile, and hypertension. Lipid Profile: Elevated triglycerides are best treated with increased physical activity and weight reduction. Aerobic exercise, weight reduction, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption will favorably affect HDL-C and lower LDL-C. After comparing these three aspects, it is easy to see that a diet focused on weight management, smoking cessation, and physical activity involving aerobic exercise will greatly lower Patient X’s risk factors for hypertension and diabetes. 2) Suggesting that Patient X begin the DASH diet would be the first place to start. The DASH diet includes an easy-to-use chart which helps plan menus. It also includes items that people generally like to eat, just in less moderation and with more fruit and vegetables. To help Patient X quit smoking, there are prescriptions or over the counter patches that will allow cessation. There are also therapy groups that Patient X could try if addiction proved to be too great. Exercising with someone, a friend or significant other is always easier than exercising alone. I would suggest that Patient X find an exercise buddy and possibly start a gym membership. If they feel this isn’t the right choice for them, then even walking around their block for 30 minutes allows some form of aerobic exercise in their life. After 6 months I would expect to see a lower blood pressure if Patient X had indeed been participating in physical activity. Improvement in blood pressure among hypertensive, takes effect within the first few weeks. I would also expect to see major improvement in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides if the proper diet was maintained. I would also expect to see an increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. A drop in BMI will also be indicated.