A patient’s lipid profile is as follows, TG – 200 mg/dL, Total Cholesterol 300 mg/dL, HDL 40 mg/dL. Calculate LDL level in this patient.
## Core Concept
The core concept being tested here is the calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels using the Friedewald equation. The Friedewald equation is a formula used to estimate LDL cholesterol levels in patients, given their total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The Friedewald equation is given by: LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (TG / 5). Here, the values are given as TG - 200 mg/dL, Total Cholesterol - 300 mg/dL, HDL - 40 mg/dL. Substituting these values into the equation: LDL = 300 - 40 - (200 / 5) = 300 - 40 - 40 = 220 mg/dL. This matches option .
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** If we calculate using an incorrect formula or incorrect values, we might get this, but it's not based on the standard Friedewald equation.
- **Option B:** Similarly, this would be incorrect based on miscalculation or incorrect application of the formula.
- **Option D:** This option does not match our calculated value based on the Friedewald equation.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that the Friedewald equation is only accurate when TG levels are < 400 mg/dL. At higher TG levels, direct measurement of LDL is recommended. This equation is a crucial tool in assessing cardiovascular risk.
## Correct Answer Line
**Correct Answer: C. 220 mg/dL.**