Atherosclerosis

Question 1

5 stages of atherosclerosis

Answer 1

1. endothelial dysfunction
2. changes to the endothelium including pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, proliferative and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability
3. Fatty infiltration of the subendothelial space by low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
4. Macrophages phagocytose oxidized LDL, turning into large ‘foam cells’
5. Smooth muscle proliferation and migration from the tunica media into the intima results in formation of a fibrous capsule covering the fatty plaque.

Question 2

2 main complications of atherosclerosis

Answer 2

1. Plaque forms a physical blockage in the lumen of the coronary artery
   => reduced blood flow and O2 to the myocardium
   => angina
2. Plaque rupture
   => complete occlusion of the coronary artery
   => myocardial infarction

Question 3

Risk factors for endothelial dysfunction

Answer 3

smoking
hypertension
hyperglycaemia