Atherosclerosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is atherosclerosis
A
Plaque of lipids, smooth muscle, foam cells and macrophages forming in the intima and media of high pressure vessels
2
Q
What is found in a plaque
A
Lipids Smooth muscle Foam cells Macrophages Platelets
3
Q
What are foam cells
A
Macrophages that phagocytose LDL
4
Q
Where do atherosclerotic plaques form
A
Intima and media of arteries
5
Q
What are the 6 steps of plaque formation
A
Endothelial damage Fatty streak (Plaque precursor) Lipid accumulation (More LDL so foam cells recruited) Platelet aggregation (Plaque protrudes artery = laminar flow disruption = platelet accumulation (Media thinning) Fibrin mesh/RBC trapping (Platelet plug = fibrin mesh w/ trapped RBC) Fibrous cap (Fibroblasts cover the platelet plug)
6
Q
Which stage of plaque formation is the start of media thinning
A
Platelet aggregation
7
Q
What cells make up the fibrous cap
A
Fibroblasts cover the platelet plug
8
Q
What produces the fibrin mesh of a plaque
A
Platelet plug w/ trapped RBC
9
Q
How does plaque formation result in Angina
A
Fibrous cap damage
Continued platelet aggregation
Further thinning of lumen
10
Q
What are the RF for atherosclerosis
A
DM HTN Obesity Male Age
