2.7 pathology of cardiovascular disease

Question 1

what causes atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

The accumulation of fatty materials (calcium and cholesterol) forming an atheroma or plaque beneath the endothelium of the artery.

Question 2

how does an atheroma effect the artery?

Answer 2

The artery loses its elasticity as the atheroma grows. Blood flow is restricted as the central lumen is narrowed
There is an increase in blood pressure.

Question 3

what causes blood clotting factors to be released during thrombosis?

Answer 3

an atheroma ruptures and damages the endothelium

Question 4

Describe the process of thrombosis ]

Answer 4

The process starts with prothrombin being converted into its active form (thrombin) by the release of clotting factors.
Thrombin then causes molecules of fibrinogen to form threads of fibrin, forming a meshwork which traps blood platelets and forms a clot and seals the wound.

Question 5

what causes an embolus?

Answer 5

in some cases the thrombus can break loose which causes an embolus which travels through the bloodstream until it blocks a vessel. The blocked vessel deprives the cell of oxygen leading to death of the tissue.

Question 6

what causes peripheral vascular disease?

Answer 6

The narrowing of the peripheral arteries due to atherosclerosis. This causes pain due to a lack of oxygen

Question 7

what causes a pulmonary embolism

Answer 7

A deep vein thrombosis forms causing pain and swelling due to limited supply of oxygen.
If a thrombus breaks loose it forms an embolus which can travel through the blood stream and block a blood vessel.
If the embolism blocks the pulmonary artery in the lungs it is known as a pulmonary embolism.