ABSTRACT
An inverse relationship between alpha-cholesterol and coronary atherosclerosis was observed in 200 male patients given coronographies. Specifically the lowest alpha-cholesterol levels were observed in patients with the most serious and widespread atherosclerotic lesions. This inverse correlation was maintained at the same level in all age groups.
Subject(s)
Cholesterol/blood , Coronary Disease/blood , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Triglycerides/bloodABSTRACT
A case of familial hypercholesterolaemia detected in a homozygous subject following the investigation of two large families with a high incidence of the disease, is presented. The genetic background of this form is discussed. Reference is made to the difficulty of identifying heterozygotes and homozygotes and the mode of transmission followed in the two families. The results of 45 months' treatment with cholestiramine and clofibrate and a dietary regimen are described.
Subject(s)
Hyperlipidemias , Hyperlipidemias/genetics , Adult , Aged , Child , Cholestyramine Resin/therapeutic use , Clofibrate/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Hyperlipidemias/diagnosis , Hyperlipidemias/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Nicotinic Acids/therapeutic use , PedigreeABSTRACT
Personal experience in the management of three cases of primary hyperaldosteronism, in which a cure was obtained by surgical removal of an adrenocortical adenoma, is was used in the elaboration of a diagnostic procedure requiring hospitalisation for 12 days. During 6 days, the patient is kept on a diet containing 100 mEq Na and K, and blood potassium values are repeatedly determined. Other causes of hypertension are ruled out. On the 6th day, baselines for blood renin and urinary aldosterone are calculated. Next, a hyposodic diet is given for 4 days, and a diuretic is administered on the last of these days, after which renin is determined "in response to stimulation". Lastly, two days of i.v. NaCl loading are followed by the determination of urinary aldosterone "during inhibition". If the picture is positive for hyperaldosteronism, the patient is discharged and followed during treatment with spironolactone, and eventually subjected to renal and adrenal arteriography to determine the site of the adenoma. Division of the procedure into increasingly complex steps enables the examination to be halted at any point when evidence in support of the suspected diagnosis fails to appear. This feature, coupled with the simplicity of the procedures adopted, enables all young subjects admitted for unexplained hypertension to be screened for hyperaldosteronism, with the assurance of obtaining certain diagnosis without an excessively long stay in hospital.
