Cholesterol has been implicated in heart disease for decades. Atherosclerosis is a disorder of the arteries in which cholesterol and other materials are deposited on the interior of the arterial wall. These deposits lead to the formation of plaques that can restrict or even block the flow of blood through these blood vessels (see Figure below ). A decrease in the flow of blood can lead to high blood pressure and a lowered oxygen supply to the heart muscle. A complete blockage of blood flow to parts of the heart (a heart attack) can cause significant damage due to oxygen deprivation, in some cases leading to death.
Worried about their cholesterol levels, Bob and Pauline have labs drawn to see if they need to make any lifestyle changes. Pauline's cholesterol levels are determined to be within normal limits. However, Bob learns that his LDL cholesterol level is too high. To further assess Bob's health, his doctor orders a series of tests and it is determined that Bob has atherosclerosis.
Is Bob more or less likely to have high blood pressure than Pauline?