2.7 Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis?
the accumulation of fatty substances underneath the endothelium in the arteries.
Break down the process of atherosclerosis
High levels of fats and cholesterols build up and stay in the blood, these substances can deposit underneath the endothelium of arteries, creating plaques (atheromas). These can narrow the lumen of arteries and make the artery stiff, preventing blood flow and increasing blood pressure.
What happens as an atheroma grows?
the artery thickens and loses its elasticity. Additionally, there is a significant reduction in the diameter of the affected artery’s lumen.
How does atherosclerosis affect blood pressure?
causes an increase in blood pressure
Give 4 cardiovascular health conditions caused by atherosclerosis
angina
stroke
myocardial infarction (heart attack)
peripheral vascular disease
What is produced if the endothelial wall of an artery breaks as a result of atherosclerosis?
a thrombus
The process of blood clotting
prothombin - thrombin
^ clotting factors
fibrinogen - fibrin
^ insoluble mesh work
In words, break down the formation of a thrombus (5 stages)
Stage 1 - There is damage to blood vessel endothelium and clotting factors are released
Stage 2 - Clotting factors convert inactive prothrombin into the active enzyme thrombin
Stage 3 - Thrombin stimulates plasma protein fibrinogen to fibrin
Stage 4 - Fibrin threads form a mesh work to which platelets adhere
Stage 5 - This creates a clot
What is a thrombus?
a blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel
What is an embolus?
a thrombus that travels in the blood stream
What is a myocardial infarction(also known as a heart attack)?
occurs when a blood clot blocks a coronary artery, blocking flow of blood to the cardiac muscle. This lack of blood flow can cause death of myocardial tissue due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
What is a stroke?
occurs whena blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. This lack of blood can cause death of brain tissue due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
What is peripheral vascular disease?
occurs when arteries in the peripheries of the body narrow as a result of atherosclerosis. This typically occurs in the legs, where pain can be felt as a result of lack of oxygen to the muscle cells.
What is a deep vein thrombosis?
a thrombus that occurs in a deep vein in the leg. This can cause leg swelling and reduced blood flow from the leg.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
occurs when a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels through the heart, towards the lungs, and blocks an artery that brings blood to the lungs.
