Atheroma - Heart and Blood Vessels Flashcards
Define atheroma
Build-up of fatty material on the inside wall of an artery
Define atheroscleorsis
The progressive narrowing and hardening within an artery potentially resulting in a complete blockage
Name the arteries where atheromas can occur.
Lower abdominal aorta, coronary arteries, popliteal arteries, internal carotid arteries
How does an atheroma very first form?
Happens after chronic injury to the endothelium resulting in chronic inflammation
What are the causes of injury to the endothelium?
Hyperlipidaemia, disturbed flow, smoking, hypertension
What are the 6 stages of plaque formation?
1 - activated platelet 2 - deposition of chemokines 3 - adhesion of monocytes 4 - monocytes migrate and transform into macrophages 5 - macrophages ingest LDL 6 - plaque is formed
Where can atherosclerosis occur?
Any artery: Coronary = heart attacks/angina aorta = aneurysm carotid = narrowing causes strokes Peripheral vascular disease
What acute symptoms can be caused by atherosclerotic plaques?
Aneurysm and ruptures Thrombosis Haematoma formation Embolisation Critical stenosis
What are the different ways atherosclerosis can present itself?
Stroke Peripheral vascular disease MI Bowel ischaemia Renal artery stenosis Emboli
How can you treat atherosclerosis?
Revascularisation
Secondary prevention
What is ischaemic heart disease?
Imbalance between the supply and demand of the heart for oxygenated blood.
What are the causes of IHD?
Decreased flow/no flow of oxygenated blood - from atheroma or embolism
Increased demand for oxygen - from hypertension
What are the fixed risk factors of IHD?
Positive family history
Male
Age
Genetic factors
What are the potentially reversible risk factors of IHD?
Hyperlipidaemia Smoking Hypertension Diabetes Lack of exercise Obesity Heavy alcohol consumption
Where can the plaques causing IHD form?
Anywhere within the coronary arteries
