Atherosclerosis Flashcards
Define ischaemia
Ischaemia:
* Inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body.
* Starves the cells of oxygen
What are the recommended levels of cholesterol?
Recommended levels of cholesterol
Total cholesterol: <200mg/dl
HDL: > 40mg/dl
Triglycerides: < 150mg/dl
LDL: <100mg/dl
Where is the intima found?
The intima is found just below the endothelial cells
What is the LDL target for someone with Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetes?
The LDL target for someone with Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetes: <70 mg/dl
Define atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosi:
* Chronic inflammation of the intima of large blood vessels
* Characterized by fibrofatty plaque formation (atheroma)
Define arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis:
* Hardening/stiffening of the arteries
* Thickening of the arterial walls
* Loss of elasticity of the arterial walls
What are the key processes that cause atheroma development?
Key processes that cause atheroma development:
1. Lipid accumulation (LDL)
2. Inflammation
3. Damage by free radicals
What can atherosclerosis lead to?
Atherosclerosis can eventually lead to blockage of the coronary arteries and a heart attack.
What triggers the development of atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis development is triggered by endothelial dysfunction which starts as a response to chronic endothelial injury.
Atherosclerosis process in 5 stages
Atherosclerosis process in 5 stages
1. Chronic endothelial injury
2. Endothelial dysfunction
3. Initiation of fatty streak: smooth muscle emigration from the media to the intima. Macrophages activated
4. Fatty streak development: macrophages and smooth muscle cells engulf oxidized LDL (lipid)
5. Fibro-fatty atheroma: Smooth muscle proliferation, collagen and other extracellular matrix deposition, extracellular lipid
Which treatments are available for atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis treatments:
1. Stenting
2. Angioplasty
3. Bypass surgery
4. Statins
Which things can prevent atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis prevention:
1. Regular medical check ups
2. Good blood pressure control
3. Good cholesterol control
4. Stop smoking
5. Regular exercise (30 minutes most days of the week)
6. Maintain a healthy weight
7. Eat a heart-healthy diet, low in saturated fats
8. Manage stress
Uncontrollable atherosclerosis risk factors
Uncontrollable atherosclerosis risk factors:
* Sex
* Hereditary/ genetics
* Race
* Age: Older age
* Post-menopausal state: Hormonal changes
What do the conditions in the intimal layer of the arteries favour?
The conditions within the intimal layer of the arteries favours oxidation of LDL-cholesterol by reactive oxygen species.
What does endothelial inflammation attract?
Endothelial inflammation attracts monocytes