Psychologic effects of the diagnosis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia: lessons from case studies
Article Abstract:
While caution has been advocated regarding widespread screening for hypercholesterolemia (elevated blood cholesterol levels) because of cost or methodological concerns, little attention has been paid to the potential psychologic harm that may result when patients are identified as hypercholesteremic. These effects were investigated in six patients with elevated cholesterol levels, but without evidence of coronary artery disease. The patients' case histories are presented to illustrate different aspects of psychological responses the diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia. On this level, there appears to be a distinction between a ''disease,'' in which physiological malfunctioning is present, and an ''illness,'' which relates to the culturally-influenced and personal experience of disease. While hypercholesterolemia may be thought of as a disease, its definition has varied according to definitions of what constitutes abnormally high blood cholesterol. In addition, coronary artery disease, the significant disorder associated with high cholesterol, is not associated with it in a consistent manner. Two patients felt fine until they learned they had high cholesterol levels, whereupon they thought of themselves as unhealthy. One began to treat himself as a coronary patient. Other psychological reactions may be directed against specific aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Thus, patients may become very anxious over increases in cholesterol levels that are within the range of normal variability, or over the lack of perceived effect of low-fat diets. They may suffer from the side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs, or find that concern over cholesterol affects their consideration of other problems. Physicians can help patients minimize their psychologic reactions to a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia by understanding and addressing their anxieties. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The quality of life improvement model: a means to guide practice
Article Abstract:
A new model of primary health care emphasizes the quality of life (QOL) rather than the quantity of life. The model guides practitioners to make decisions with regard to their patients' QOL, such as health promotion, prevention, and high-quality assessment. High-technology medicine will be replaced by managed care with a focus on QOL. Subsequently, home care, outpatient services, and hospice care will replace hospitalization.
Publication Name: Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0887-9303
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Nonpharmacologic interventions in the treatment of heart failure
- Abstracts: Results of a work-site educational and screening program for hypertension and cancer. Screening blood test identifies subclinical beryllium disease
- Abstracts: Percutaneous techniques for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Alzheimer's disease: the new epidemic
- Abstracts: A Practical Perspective - Case Mix Management: Issues and Stategies. part 2 Health care administration in the year 2000: practitioners' views of future issues and job requirements
- Abstracts: Collective Bargaining among Nurses: Current Issues and Future Prospects. AHA Symposium Examines Key Health-Related Issues