Atheroma

Question 1

Define atheroma

Answer 1

Build up of fatty material on the inside wall of an artery

Question 2

Define atherosclerosis

Answer 2

The progressive narrowing and hardening within an artery potentially resulting in a complete blockage

Question 3

What ares does atheroma affect?

Answer 3

Lower abdominal aorta, coronary arteries, popliteal arteries, internal carotid arteries, vessels of circle of willis

Question 4

What causes atheroma?

Answer 4

Chronic injury to the endothelium resulting in chronic inflammation

Question 5

What causes of injury are involved?

Answer 5

Hyperlipidaemia, disturbed flow, smoking, hypertension

Question 6

What are the 5 stages of atheroma?

Answer 6

1. Initial lesion
2. Fatty streak lesions
3. Intermediate lesion
4. Atheroma lesion
5. Fibroatheroma lesion
6. Complicated lesion

Question 7

What does atheroma lead to in each artery?

Answer 7

Coronary- heart attack/ischaemic heart disease
Aorta- aneurysm
Carotis- stroke

Question 8

Do atherosclerotic plaques develop quickly or slowly?

Answer 8

Slowly

Question 9

What may be the cause of acute symptoms?

Answer 9

Aneurysm & rupture
Thrombosis
Haematoma
Embolisation
Critical stenosis