Abstract for: A Simulation Model for Bloodcholesterol Dynamics and Related Disorders

Cholesterol metabolism and other factors affecting its dynamics comprise a complex system. The goal of this study is to construct a system dynamics simulation model that can generate long term dynamics of cholesterol metabolism in healthy and hypercholesterolemic subjects, with respect to body weight, diet, and exercise. For both healthy and hypercholesterolemic subjects, the model generates realistic behavior patterns for different types of blood cholesterol and body weight. It is shown in this study that a person can have healthier cholesterol levels by changing her diet and/or doing more exercise. Also it’s observed that exercise is more effective than diet even in cases when the subject does not lose weight. In the case of hypercholesterolemic patients, the model effectively mimics the way typical drugs work and shows how the patient can reach healthier cholesterol levels.