Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Atherosclerosis - physiology

Answer 1

• stiffening -> hypertension
• stenosis -> reduced blood flow -> angina
• plaque rupture -> thrombus -> ischemia

Question 2

Atherosclerosis - risk factors

Answer 2

• older age
• fam history
• male
• smoking
• alcohol
• poor diet
• low exercise

Question 3

Atherosclerosis - co-morbidities that increase risk

Answer 3

• diabetes
• hypertension
• CKD
• RA

Question 4

Atherosclerosis - end results

Answer 4

• angina
• MI
• TIA
• stroke
• PVD

Question 5

Atherosclerosis - primary prevention

Answer 5

• if more than 10% risk of MI/stroke in next 10 years -> statin (atorvastatin 20mg)
• check lipids

Question 6

Atherosclerosis - secondary prevention

Answer 6

4As
- aspirin
- atorvastatin
- atenolol (beta blocker- or bisoprolol)
- ace inhibitor (ramipril)

Question 7

Statin side effects

Answer 7

• myopathy (check creatine kinase)
• type 2 diabetes
• haemorrhagic strokes