Atherosclerosis Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis?
The formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the intima of large and medium arteries
What does atherosclerosis predispose to?
Thrombosis
What are the contents of an atherosclerotic plaque?
Lesion with a central lipid core and a fibrous cap covered by arterial endothelium
What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis
Hyperlipidaemia
Smoking
Hypertension
Older
Male
Badly controlled diabetes
What is the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Endothelial damage theory
Endothelial cells damaged by shearing forces, hyperlipidaemia, glycosylation products etc
Cumulative damage -> endothelial ulceration -> development of atherosclerotic plaques
What is the timeline process of atherosclerosis?
No atherosclerosis at birth
Fatty streak in teens +
Established atherosclerotic plaque 30s-50s
Complications 40s-80s
What are some complications of atherosclerosis?
Progressive lumen narrowing >50-70% - stenosis
Acute atherothrombotic occlusion - plaque rupture activates coagulation cascade -> infarction
Embolisation of distal arterial bed - thrombus fragments deatch -> small vessel occlusion
Ruptured abdominal atherosclerotic aneurysm -> retroperitoneal haemorrhage and death
How can atherosclerosis be prevented?
Risk factor control - weight loss, smoking cessation, hypertension and diabetic control
Aspirin
What are some treatments for atherosclerosis?
Statins for hypercholaemia
Aspirin
