Atherosclerosis

Question 1

what is atherosclerosis

Answer 1

term sued to describe the build up of fatty plaques on arterial walls it is the pathological bases for angina and some strokes

Question 2

what are the modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis

Answer 2

smoking
hypertension
obesity
hypercholesterolemia
diabetes
alcohol consumption

Question 3

non modifiable risk factors of atherosclerosis

Answer 3

family history
male
old age

Question 4

pathophysiology 1

Answer 4

Primary endothelial injury e.g. due to smoking, hypertension

Question 5

pathophysiology 2

Answer 5

Uptake of LDL from the blood into the intima of artery, where it is oxidized to become OXLDL

Question 6

pathophysiology 3

Answer 6

Macrophages migrate across the endothelium into the intima where they take up OXLDL and become foam cells → form a fatty streak

Question 7

pathophysiology 4

Answer 7

Activated macrophages release cytokines and growth factors, particularly PDGF, which result in proliferation of the smooth muscle layer and deposition of collagen

Question 8

pathophysiology 5

Answer 8

As the plaque enlarges blood flow is compromised → angina, PAD

Question 9

pathophysiology 6

Answer 9

Unstable angina/MI results when a large enough plaque ruptures, the clotting cascade is activated, and the thrombus occludes the artery