Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Which of the following is correct regarding atherosclerosis?

A It occurs in the capillary beds
B Thinning of the tunica intima is the predominant feature
C It only affects the coronary vessels
D Raised HDL is associated with atherosclerosis
E Foam cells are lipid-laden macrophages

Answer 1

Foam cells are lipid-laden macrophages

Atherosclerosis is the predominant pathophysiological process leading to ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

Question 2

Which of the following cranial nerves supplies the carotid sinus baroreceptors?

A	Hypoglossal
B	Vagus
C	Glossopharyngeal
D	Accessory
E	Optic

Answer 2

The two main baroreceptors that help maintain blood pressure upon standing are the carotid sinus baroreceptors and the aortic arch baroreceptors.

A branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the carotid sinus and a branch of the vagus nerve supplies the aortic arch.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a risk factor for coronary artery disease?

A	Smoking
B	Familial hypercholesterolaemia
C     Diabetes insipidus
D	Hypertension
E     Premature menopause

Answer 3

C

Diabetes insipidus is a condition where the secretion or, or response to, antidiuretic hormone is impaired. It should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, which is characterised by hyperglycaemia and a major cardiovascular risk factor.

Question 4

Several risk factors increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease, which can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable.
What are 4 non-modifiable risk factors?

Answer 4

• Age (older age)
• Family history (e.g. myocardial infarction before 60 years old)
• Male sex
• Premature menopause

Question 5

Several risk factors increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease, which can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable.

What are 5 Modifiable risk factors?

Answer 5

• High cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity