Angina

Question 1

What is the cause of changing patterns of angina? e.g. worse on cold days

Answer 1

Due to physiological vasoconstriction and vasodilation of coronary arteries

(coronary arteries are able to do so even in the presence of atheromatous lesions)

Question 3

What is the process giving rise to angina?

Answer 3

Atherosclerosis in coronary arteries –> reduces blood flow –> myocardial ischaemia –> felt as pain (angina)

Question 4

Does angina pectoris have to be present in order for an MI to occur?

If not, what are the 2 routes than can be taken to an MI?

Answer 4

NO

(see image)

Question 5

What is the main cause of angina pectoris?

Answer 5

Obstruction in the coronary arteries than causes ischaemia

Question 6

How can atheroma lead to an MI (not via angina pectoris)

Answer 6

atheroma (fatty deposit in vessel endothelium)

–> thrombosis (blood clot in vessel)

–> thromboembolism (migrates downstream)

–> MI

Question 7

Describe the process of atheroma formation