Diagnosis is given and we are asked to answer questions about the patient and her condition.

Mrs. Smith, 57, is complaining of chest pain for the last couple of months. Prior to the current pain she used to complain of tightness in her chest. She smokes 20 cigarettes a day, drinks one glass of wine in the evening, exercises every day for 1 hour.
She is under a lot of pressure at work, because her boss is rushing her to finish an office project before the deadline.
Her family history indicates that her mother had a “bad cholesterol”, and died at 65y/o of a “heart problem”.

Physical examination: the patient is slightly pale;
BP = 140/80 mm Hg, Heart Rate = 80/min, irregular.

Her blood test results are:
-CBC with the differential WBC count: within the reference range
-Electrolytes: very mild hypernatremia
-Low HDL/LDL ratio

Her other blood test parameters are within normal limits.

After a panel of other test and studies Mrs. Smith was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (Angina Pectoris).

Questions

1.       What predisposing factors that could contribute to Mrs. Smith’s condition?

2.       Discuss the protective factors that would prevent Mrs. Smith from developing Coronary artery disease.

3.       What are the possible complications of Mrs. Smith’s condition?

4.       What other diseases would you be “looking for” in this patient, and why?