Marvin Luke's Blackout Spell

Abstract

Abstract This is a biochemistry problem-based learning (PBL) case suitable for either first-or second-year medical students. The patient is a 59-year-old black male who suffers an acute myocardial infarction. His total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are very high and he has xanthomas on the tendons in 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 an effective case over the years in helping students appreciate the principles of lipid transport, lipid metabolism, and genetics as related to the disease process.

Keywords

• Hypoglycemia
• Syncope
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Glucagon
• Hyperglycemia
• Insulin