1.5.3 atherosclerosis

Question 1

Atheromas

Answer 1

Atheromas are the deposition of materials in the walls of the arteries causing a blockage. Atheromas can cause a number of cardiovascular diseases.

Question 2

atheromas ( deposition )

Answer 2

The endothelium of arteries can become damaged by the deposition of white blood cells and lipids.
If white blood cells and fatty materials continue to be deposited in the artery walls, the materials will begin to form hard, fibrous plaque.

Question 3

atheromas ( narrow lumen )

Answer 3

As the fibrous plaque builds up, the lumen of the artery becomes narrower.
The flow of blood through the arteries is restricted.
The narrower lumen also increases blood pressure.
The presence of the fibrous plaque is called an atheroma.

Question 4

atheromas ( coronary heart disease )

Answer 4

Atheromas can cause diseases of the heart.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of disease that is associated with many atheromas.

Question 4

atheromas ( coronary heart disease )

Answer 4

Atheromas can cause diseases of the heart.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of disease that is associated with many atheromas.

Question 5

atheromas ( atherosclerosis

Answer 5

Atherosclerosis is the blockage of an artery by the buildup of fatty plaques.
The slowdown of blood flow and subsequent oxygen deprivation that results from atherosclerosis causes severe pain, known as angina, and complete blockage of the arteries will cause myocardial infarction: the death of cardiac muscle tissue, commonly known as a heart attack.