Differential Diagnosis

Full Answer Section

• Why differentials (2&3) were not the primary diagnosis: Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are also risk factors for chronic diseases, but they are not as strong as obesity. In addition, the patient did not have any other symptoms of hypertension or hyperlipidemia, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure.

• Rationale: Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is too high. High blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
• Supporting evidence: The American Heart Association (AHA) defines hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. [Reference]
• Why differentials (1&3) were not the primary diagnosis: Obesity and hyperlipidemia are also risk factors for hypertension, but they are not as strong as hypertension itself. In addition, the patient did not have any other symptoms of obesity or hyperlipidemia, such as excess body weight or high cholesterol levels.

• Rationale: Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which the levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood are too high. High levels of lipids can damage the heart, brain, and other organs.
• Supporting evidence: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) defines hyperlipidemia as a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher, or a LDL cholesterol level of 130 mg/dL or higher. [Reference]
• Why differentials (1&2) were not the primary diagnosis: Obesity and hypertension are also risk factors for hyperlipidemia, but they are not as strong as hyperlipidemia itself. In addition, the patient did not have any other symptoms of obesity or hypertension, such as excess body weight or high blood pressure.

Sample Solution

• Rationale: Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by excess body fat. It is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
• Supporting evidence: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a BMI of 30 or greater. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.