Drug therapy should be initiated at the same time as therapeutic ...

[Shelles]

Drug therapy should be initiated at the same time as therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) only in patients who
 
  a. have severe hypercholesterolemi a.
  b. are not using other prescription medica-tions.
  c. have a family history of coronary heart disease.
  d. are unwilling to implement therapeutic lifestyle change.

Question 2

The first step in therapy to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease is
 
  a. therapeutic lifestyle change.
  b. stress reduction.
  c. use of LDL-lowering medications.
  d. use of anti-thrombotic medications.

[stano32]

Answer to Question 1

A
Drug therapy should only be initiated at the same as TLC in patients with severe hypercholeste-rolemia, who are unlikely to be able to decrease LDL cholesterol to desirable levels using TLC alone. The need for cholesterol-lowering medications is not related to use of other medications. Family history is one of many risk factors for coronary heart disease and does not necessitate immediate drug therapy.

Answer to Question 2

A
The first step in therapy to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease is therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC), including diet and physical activity. Cholesterol-lowering medications should be added to TLC if needed to achieve further reductions in LDL-C. Antithrombotic medications are not used routinely (they may sometimes be used to reduce risk of blood clots). Stress reduction can help decrease cardiac risk, but is not the first step.