Atheroma/ Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Atheroma

Answer 1

formation of focal elevated lesions (plaques) in the arteries

Question 2

Angina

Answer 2

chest pain or pressure due to not enough blood flow to the heart (coronary arteries)

Question 3

Atherosclerosis

Answer 3

age related change in the muscular arteries

reduced vessels diameter

Question 4

Features of an established atherosclerotic plaque

Answer 4

rich core, fibrous cap

haemorrhage into plaque

plaque rupture

thrombosis

Question 5

Hypercholesterolaemia is an important risk factor as it causes

Answer 5

plaque formation and growth in the absence of other risk factors

Question 6

Risk factors for atheroma

Answer 6

cholesterol

diabetes

smoking

hypertension

male

age

Question 7

Consequences of atheroma

Answer 7

narrowing of the lumen

atherothrombotic occlusion

embolisation of distal arterial bed

aortic aneurysm

Question 8

Prevention therapy

Answer 8

stop smoking

control BP

weight loss

exercise

cholesterol lowering drugs

aspirin

Question 9

Aspirin

Answer 9

inhibits platelet aggregation

so less risk of thrombosis