John Dorsey's Severe Chest Pains

Abstract

Abstract This is a biochemistry problem-based learning (PBL) case suitable for either first or second year medical students in a PBL curriculum. The patient is a 59-year-old black male who suffers an acute myocardial infarct. His total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol are very high and he has xanthomas on the tendons on the extremities. He has a family history of heart disease, gets regular exercise, does not smoke and drinks occasionally. He is diagnosed as a heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemic, put on niacin and a statin and told to avoid foods high in fat or cholesterol. This has been a very effective case over the years in helping MSI students appreciate the principles of lipid transport, lipid metabolism, and genetics in the disease process.

Keywords

• Aspirin
• Beta Blocker
• LDL
• Xanthoma
• Statins
• Myocardial Infarction