Q. Show the parameters which are of interest in CHD?

Total Cholesterol: Serum totnl cholesterol equals the sum of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), VLDL-cholesterol (VLDL-c) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c). High level of cholesterol is associated with a high risk of atherosclerosis.

• Total Cholesterol: Serum totnl cholesterol equals the sum of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), VLDL-cholesterol (VLDL-c) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c). High level of cholesterol is associated with a high risk of atherosclerosis.

• Triglycerides: The triglyceride-rich lipoproteins include chyloinicrons, VLDL and intermediate density lipoproteins (DL). Their levels increase by many dietary factors such as excess calories, fat, carbohydrates and alcohol.

Apoproteins: Apoproteins are closely related to lipids as they maintain the solution of lipoprotein lipids in plasma. Measurement of apoprotein levels aids in diagnosing disorders of lipids and preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The apoproteins include AI, AII, B1oo, B48, CI, CII, CIII, D and E. The apoprotein AI and An are associated with HDL (the good lipoprotein) and the rest are associated with not so good lipoproteins.

It would be interesting to note here that the clinical reports of most cardiac patients would indicate the levels of the above-mentioned parameters. As a dietician, you should be able to interpret and utilize this information for planning the dietary regime of the patient.