Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

Non-HDL cholesterol is strongly associated with which health condition?

1. Stroke

2. Coronary artery disease

3. Hypertension

4. Peripheral vascular disease

The correct answer is: Coronary artery disease

Non-HDL cholesterol is strongly associated with coronary artery disease because it encompasses all cholesterol types that can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, beyond just low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. High levels of non-HDL cholesterol indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events, as it includes atherogenic lipoproteins that can lead to the formation of plaques in the coronary arteries. This buildup can cause narrowing of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart, and ultimately increasing the risk of heart attacks and other complications associated with coronary artery disease. The other options, such as stroke and peripheral vascular disease, are related to cholesterol levels but not as directly as coronary artery disease. Counterparts involved in these conditions may also involve other risk factors and mechanisms unrelated to the role of non-HDL cholesterol specifically. Thus, the strongest and most direct association remains with coronary artery disease.