When Patient Apathy About Hypertension and High Cholesterol Leaves You Drained . . .

Plumbing analogies can help asymptomaticpatients comprehend the seriousnessof elevated lipid and bloodpressure levels. Explain that highlipid levels are like grease that continuallydrips down the drain in akitchen sink. The drain may seem towork well for years until eventually itclogs and the sink backs up. Highblood pressure can be compared toincreased water pressure in a house:there may be no noticeable problemswith the pipes, but they are sure towear out sooner than they would ifthe pressure were lower.
-LT Terrence Stone, PA-C
  Chesapeake, Va