Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-6-2012
Abstract
Approximately 16.3% of the adult population in the United States maintains elevated levels of total cholesterol, and the components of the cholesterol profile—HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels, among others—are particular determinants of cardiovascular disease risk. High levels of LDL in particular are associated with coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Conversely, high levels of HDL remove cholesterol from the blood and aid in metabolism. The HDL/LDL ratio is considered a marker of carotid plaque and is specifically used as an indicator for cardiovascular disease risk. Traditional cholesterol control treatment utilizes statin therapy and antihypertensive medication; however, recent trends toward alternative methods of treatment are making holistic cholesterol treatment programs more well-known. Using archival patient records at a holistic health cholesterol treatment program, this study investigates changes over the course of treatment in total cholesterol levels, the HDL/LDL ratio, and other cardiovascular health-related variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and weight. This study will provide a basis for future research investigating cardiovascular health from a holistic perspective, rather than examining these factors in isolation.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Carolyn, "Cholesterol Levels and Cardiovascular Health Indicator Changes in a Holistic Health Treatment Program: An Archival Study" (2012). Capstone Research Projects. 10.
https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/senior_research/10