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hyperlipidemia

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on hyperlipidemia.

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A 55-year-old man, non-smoker, presents for a health check. BP 135/85 mmHg, total cholesterol 5.5 mmol/L, HDL 1.2 mmol/L. No personal history of CVD or diabetes. Family history of premature CVD in father. BMI 28. Based on Australian guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Start atorvastatin 20mg daily.
B. Order a fasting glucose and HbA1c.
C. Start perindopril 5mg daily.
D. Advise weight loss and recheck BP in 6 months.
E. Calculate absolute cardiovascular risk and discuss lifestyle modification.
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A 52-year-old woman with a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to your clinic for a routine follow-up. She has been experiencing difficulty in controlling her blood glucose levels despite being on metformin and glipizide. Her HbA1c is 8.5%. She has a BMI of 32 kg/m² and a sedentary lifestyle. She reports consuming a diet high in processed foods and sugary beverages. Her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her lipid profile shows elevated LDL cholesterol. Which of the following dietary and lifestyle modifications is most likely to improve her glycemic control and overall cardiovascular risk profile?

A. Following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and practicing intermittent fasting
B. Increasing protein intake and starting resistance training
C. Adopting a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular aerobic exercise
D. Reducing sodium intake and focusing on high-intensity interval training
E. Switching to a vegetarian diet and incorporating yoga
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of smoking and hyperlipidemia presents for a health check. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen is performed as part of a screening protocol. An axial view is shown. Besides optimizing medical management, what is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Referral for immediate surgical repair
B. Order a D-dimer to rule out acute thrombosis
C. Initiate dual antiplatelet therapy
D. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
E. Prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen was performed as part of a screening protocol. An axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Start aspirin therapy
B. Surgical repair
C. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
D. Measure ankle-brachial index
E. Initiate statin therapy
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. He reports a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a 40-pack-year smoking history. He denies any abdominal pain, back pain, or lower extremity claudication. On physical examination, his vital signs are within normal limits. Auscultation of the abdomen is unremarkable, and peripheral pulses are palpable and symmetric. As part of his cardiovascular risk assessment, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. An axial view from the scan is shown. Based on the image and the patient's clinical presentation, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Prescribe a beta-blocker to reduce blood pressure and heart rate
B. Initiate statin therapy and lifestyle modifications
C. Order an ultrasound of the abdomen to further evaluate the aorta
D. Refer to vascular surgery for elective repair
E. Schedule a repeat CT scan in 6-12 months to monitor aneurysm size
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of new onset left flank pain radiating to his groin. He reports a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both managed with medications. He denies any recent trauma. His vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Physical examination reveals mild tenderness to palpation in the left flank, but no guarding or rebound tenderness. Peripheral pulses are normal and symmetric. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. Given the clinical context and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiate intravenous heparin and consult vascular surgery for urgent repair
B. Prescribe analgesics and schedule a repeat CT scan in 6 months
C. Start oral antibiotics for suspected pyelonephritis
D. Referral to vascular surgery for elective repair
E. Order a renal ultrasound to evaluate for hydronephrosis
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents for routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. His past medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medication. Review the provided image. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Annual ultrasound surveillance
B. Prescribe a statin
C. Initiate beta-blocker therapy
D. Referral for immediate surgical repair
E. Repeat CT scan in 3 months
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A 65-year-old man with a 20-year history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia presents with a 6-month history of burning pain in his feet, worse at night, often waking him from sleep. He also reports feeling lightheaded when standing up quickly and has noticed difficulty initiating urination and a weak stream. On examination, his blood pressure is 135/85 mmHg supine and 115/70 mmHg after standing for 3 minutes. Neurological examination reveals decreased sensation to pinprick and light touch in a stocking distribution up to the mid-calf bilaterally. Vibration sense is reduced at the ankles. Ankle reflexes are absent. The remainder of the examination is unremarkable. His most recent HbA1c is 8.9%. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of his constellation of symptoms?

A. Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy with autonomic involvement
B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
C. Lumbar spinal stenosis
D. Peripheral arterial disease
E. Charcot joint arthropathy
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A 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with sudden onset, severe chest pain radiating to his back. He is diaphoretic and anxious. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Esophageal rupture
C. Pericarditis
D. Aortic dissection
E. Acute myocardial infarction
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She reports that the pain started gradually but has become increasingly severe and constant. She denies any fever or chills. Her past medical history is significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medications. On physical examination, she is afebrile, with a heart rate of 92 bpm, blood pressure of 140/85 mmHg, and an oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals marked tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant with guarding. Murphy's sign is positive. The provided image was obtained. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Administer oral analgesics and discharge with outpatient follow-up
B. Perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
C. Order a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
D. Initiate intravenous antibiotics and observe
E. Surgical consultation for cholecystectomy
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided hemianopia and mild right-sided weakness. Her symptoms began approximately 4 hours prior to arrival. Initial neurological examination reveals intact language function and no cognitive deficits. A CT angiogram was performed, followed by endovascular coiling. The provided image shows a post-operative angiogram. Despite the intervention, the patient's hemianopia persists, and her weakness has slightly worsened. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel
B. Prescribe a course of high-dose corticosteroids to reduce cerebral edema
C. Repeat angiography to assess for recanalization or further aneurysm growth
D. Administer intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase
E. Start the patient on nimodipine to prevent vasospasm
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for her routine screening mammogram. She reports no breast symptoms, and physical examination is unremarkable. Her medical history includes well-controlled type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. She has no family history of breast cancer. The provided image is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the right breast. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Referral to a medical oncologist for systemic therapy planning
B. Stereotactic core needle biopsy of the area
C. Repeat screening mammogram in 6 months
D. Excisional biopsy under wire localisation
E. Breast ultrasound of the area
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Inguinal hernia right view. Adult male with an inguinal hernia, showing bulging in the groin area.
Image by IkeTheSloth CC0 1.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of right groin pain that started approximately 6 hours ago. He reports noticing a bulge in his groin for several months, which he could usually push back in. However, today he is unable to reduce it, and the pain has become progressively severe. He denies any fever, nausea, or vomiting. His past medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medications. On examination, his vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 80 bpm, respiratory rate 16 bpm, and temperature 37.0°C. Abdominal examination is benign. Examination of the groin reveals the finding shown in the image. The area is tender to palpation. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
B. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
C. Trial of manual reduction with sedation and analgesia
D. Ultrasound of the groin to rule out testicular torsion
E. Prescription for a truss and referral to a general surgeon for elective repair
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen, axial view shown, was performed as part of a screening protocol. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
B. Refer for immediate surgical repair
C. Start aspirin for antiplatelet therapy
D. Initiate beta-blocker therapy
E. Prescribe a statin for lipid management
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine health check. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen is performed, axial view shown. Besides optimizing medical management, what is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Referral for immediate surgical repair
B. Initiate aspirin therapy
C. Prescribe a statin
D. Order a D-dimer
E. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
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A 52-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination over the past three months. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, for which she takes lisinopril and atorvastatin. Her BMI is 32 kg/m². On examination, her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her heart rate is 78 bpm. Laboratory tests reveal a fasting plasma glucose of 8.5 mmol/L and an HbA1c of 7.2%. She is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step for this patient according to Australian guidelines?

A. Addition of a sulfonylurea
B. Initiation of metformin therapy
C. Referral to an endocrinologist
D. Commencement of insulin therapy
E. Lifestyle modification including diet and exercise
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided hemianopia and mild right-sided weakness. Her symptoms began approximately 4 hours prior to arrival. Initial neurological examination reveals intact language function and no cognitive deficits. A CT angiogram was performed, followed by endovascular coiling. The provided image shows a post-operative angiogram. Despite the intervention, the patient's hemianopia persists, and her weakness has slightly worsened. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Order an MRI of the brain to evaluate for ischemic changes
B. Administer intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase
C. Repeat angiography to assess for recanalization or further aneurysm growth
D. Prescribe a course of high-dose corticosteroids to reduce peri-aneurysmal edema
E. Initiate dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel
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A 62-year-old woman with a 15-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to her general practitioner with complaints of worsening vision over the past six months. She also reports intermittent tingling and numbness in her feet, which has been progressively worsening. Her diabetes has been poorly controlled, with recent HbA1c levels consistently above 9%. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both of which are managed with medication. On examination, her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her BMI is 32 kg/m². Fundoscopic examination reveals microaneurysms and cotton wool spots. Urinalysis shows microalbuminuria. Which of the following interventions is most likely to address the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of her visual symptoms?

A. Optimizing glycemic control
B. Starting a statin
C. Prescribing an ACE inhibitor
D. Recommending regular exercise
E. Initiating aspirin therapy
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A 72-year-old man presents to the emergency department with confusion and difficulty walking. His family reports that he has been increasingly forgetful over the past few months and has had several falls. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, for which he takes lisinopril and atorvastatin. On examination, he is disoriented to time and place, with a blood pressure of 140/85 mmHg, heart rate of 78 bpm, and a wide-based gait. Neurological examination reveals brisk reflexes and a positive Romberg sign. A CT scan of the head shows mild cortical atrophy but no acute lesions. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Normal pressure hydrocephalus
B. Vascular dementia
C. Parkinson's disease
D. Subdural hematoma
E. Alzheimer's disease
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A 52-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination over the past three months. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, managed with lisinopril and atorvastatin. Her BMI is 32 kg/m². On examination, her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her heart rate is 78 bpm. Laboratory tests reveal a fasting plasma glucose of 8.5 mmol/L and an HbA1c of 7.2%. She is concerned about her risk of complications and asks about the best initial management strategy. Considering Australian guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step in managing her condition?

A. Initiate metformin therapy
B. Prescribe a sulfonylurea
C. Advise lifestyle modifications only
D. Start insulin therapy
E. Refer to an endocrinologist immediately
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided hemianopia and mild right-sided weakness. Her symptoms began approximately 4 hours prior to arrival. Initial neurological examination reveals a left homonymous hemianopia, mild right hemiparesis (4/5 strength), and intact sensation. A CT angiogram was performed, and the patient underwent endovascular coiling. The image shows a follow-up angiogram post-procedure. Despite the intervention, the patient's left homonymous hemianopia persists, and her right hemiparesis has not improved. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Prescribe a course of high-dose corticosteroids to reduce peri-aneurysmal edema
B. Initiate dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel
C. Order an MRI of the brain to evaluate for ischemic changes
D. Repeat angiography to assess for recanalization or further aneurysm growth
E. Start rehabilitation therapy and monitor for improvement
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old man presents for a routine check-up. He reports occasional mild, non-radiating abdominal discomfort over the past few months, which he attributes to indigestion. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, and quit smoking 10 years ago. Physical examination is unremarkable, with no palpable abdominal masses. Routine blood tests are within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan is performed to investigate the abdominal discomfort. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate a trial of proton pump inhibitors for presumed dyspepsia.
B. Refer urgently for vascular surgical assessment.
C. Schedule a surveillance ultrasound in 6-12 months.
D. Arrange immediate CT angiography to plan for endovascular repair.
E. Reassure the patient that the findings are benign and require no follow-up.
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department complaining of exertional chest pain that has been increasing in frequency and severity over the past month. He describes the pain as a pressure-like sensation in the center of his chest, radiating to his left arm, and associated with shortness of breath. The pain typically occurs after walking two blocks and resolves with rest. He denies any recent changes in his medications or lifestyle. On examination, his blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg, heart rate is 78 bpm, and oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. An ECG shows normal sinus rhythm with no acute ST-segment changes. Troponin levels are within normal limits. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate a trial of increased anti-anginal medications and lifestyle modifications
B. Discharge home with instructions to follow up with his general practitioner
C. CT angiography of the chest
D. Stress echocardiography
E. Coronary angiography
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A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe chest pain radiating to his left arm, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. On examination, he is diaphoretic, and his blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg. An ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?

A. Administer beta-blockers to reduce myocardial oxygen demand
B. Administer morphine for pain management
C. Administer aspirin and initiate reperfusion therapy
D. Administer nitroglycerin for chest pain relief
E. Administer intravenous fluids to address hypotension
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A middle-aged man who already has a 20% cardiovascular risk and is on lifestyle modification and statin therapy: Which one of the following helps you assess his cardiovascular risk?

A. ECG
B. Exercise ECG
C. Coronary artery angiogram
D. Coronary artery calcium score
E. Echocardiogram
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