Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Definition of atherosclerosis

Answer 1

Plaque (fatty deposits) build up in the arteries and is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries. It is a main cause of cardiovascular disease

Question 2

Name the 3 stages of atherosclerosis

Answer 2

1. Endothelial cell injury
2. Migration of Inflammatory cells
3. Lipid accumulation and smooth muscle proliferation

Question 3

Describe stage one of atheroscleorisis

Answer 3

The endothelial layers get damaged (they line blood vessels)
Their job is to protect the layers underneath from direct contact with blood and other componenets and are on layer cells.
The damage occurs and allows monocytes and platlets to stick to vessel walls

Question 4

Describe stage two of atheroscleorsis

Answer 4

The damaged endothelial cells produce selective adhesion molecules that bind myocytes and other inflammatory cells that initiate the atherosclerosis lesions

they squeeze through the endothelial layers into the vessel walls

Monocytes become macrophages, cells that eat and digest harmful particles

They then engulf cholestrol which contribute to the formation of the plaque

Question 5

Describe stage 3 of atheroscleorsis

Answer 5

Activated macrophages release toxic oxygen species to oxidise the cholesterol

This results in the foam cell formation a type of macrophage that localise to fatty deposits on blood vessel walls.

They release growth signals to cause smooth muscle cells to move and multiple contributing to plaque growth

If the fibrous cap of a plaque is weak or unstable it can break open leading to bleeding within the plaques or forming a blood clot

Question 6

Risks of atherosclerosis

Answer 6

Hypertension
Diabetes
Smoking
Age
Cardiac history
Obestiy
Sedentary lifestyle

Question 7

Symptoms of atheroscleorsis

Answer 7

SOB during light physical activity
Chest pain or discomfort
Pain in the neck, back, arms and shoulders
Dizziness and lightheaded
Heart palpitations
Nausea/ vomitting