6. Atheroma

Question 0

Define atherosclerosis

Answer 0

Thickening and hardening of arterial walls as a consequence of Atheroma

Question 1

Define Atheroma

Answer 1

Accumulation of intracellular and extracellular lipid in the intima and media of large and medium arteries

Question 2

Define arteriosclerosis

Answer 2

Thickening of the walls of arteries and arterioles, usually as a result of hypertension or diabetes mellitus

Question 3

Describe the progression of macroscopic features of an Atheroma

Answer 3

1 Fatty streak - lipid deposits, yellow, raised
2 Simple plaque - raised, yellow, irregular, widely distributed
3 Complicated plaque - thrombosis, haemorrhage, calcification aneurysm

Question 4

Atherosclerosis in a coronary artery can lead to what?

Answer 4

MI
Angina
Arrhythmia

Question 5

Name 12 factors that increase chance of Atheroma formation

Answer 5

Age
Gender
Hyperlipidemia
Smoking
Hypertension
Diabetes
Alcohol
Infection - chlamydia + H. Pylori 
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Oral contraception 
Stress

Question 6

What is the unifying hypothesis of atherogenesis?

Answer 6

1 Endothelial damage
2 Platelet adhesion - releases PDGF - smooth muscle cells proliferate and migrate
3 LDL oxidation and uptake of lipid by SMC and Macrophages
4 SMC produce extra cellular matrix
5 Foam cells secrete cytokines causing further stimulation of SMC