Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is atheroscleoris

Answer 1

hardening of arteries due to the build-up of fibrous plaque known as atheroma.

Question 2

How atherosclerosis occurs

Answer 2

1. endothelium is damaged for instance by high cholesterol levels, smoking or high blood pressure.
2. This increases the risk of blood clotting and leads to an inflammatory response causing white blood cells to move into the artery.
3. Over time white blood cells, calcium salts, cholesterol and fibres build up forming a plaque ( an atheroma)
4. The build-up of a fibrous plaque leads to the narrowing of arteries. This restricts blood flow and increases blood pressure. Increased blood pressure damages the endothelial lining and is a repeating process ( an example of a positive feedback)

Question 3

what are the risk factors of atherosclerosis?

Answer 3

1. Genetics ( predisposition to high blood pressure)
2. Age ( arteries become less elastic with age )
3. diet ( can increase cholesterol levels)
4. Gender ( Oestrogen can make arteries more elastic)
5. High blood pressure ( can damage endothelium)
6. High cholesterol levels ( increase likelihood of formation of plaque)
7. Smoking ( nicotine narrows arteries)
8. physical inactivity ( increases the risk of obesity )
   9.Obesity ( increase blood pressure)

Question 4

How to reduce the risk of developing Cardiovascular disease and what can Atherosclerosis lead to?

Answer 4

1. Stop smoking
2. Regular exercise
3. Reduce alcohol consumption
4. dietary changes
5. maintain healthy body weight
   Atherosclerosis can lead to Cardiovascular disease that includes , angina , strokes , myocardial infarction and aneurisms.