Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is the primary cause of low blood flow to heart tissue?

Answer 1

Coronary artery atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of calcium and cholesterol in the arteries.

Question 2

Define atherosclerosis.

Answer 2

A disorder where calcium and cholesterol form a plaque inside blood vessel walls.

This obstructs blood flow and interferes with the ability of blood vessels to dilate or contract.

Question 3

What can atherosclerosis eventually cause in coronary arteries?

Answer 3

Complete occlusion or blockage.

Atherosclerosis can also affect other arteries in the body.

Question 4

At what age can cholesterol deposits begin in arteries?

Answer 4

As early as the teenage years when the first trace of cholesterol is deposited inside of the artery

Question 5

Define lumen.
What happens to the lumen of an artery as cholesterol deposits increase?

Answer 5

Lumen is the inside diameter of the artery and
It narrows.

Question 6

What occurs when a brittle plaque develops a crack?

Answer 6

It activates the blood-clotting system, potentially causing a blood clot.

This is similar to the body’s response to a torn blood vessel.

Question 7

What is a thromboembolism?

Answer 7

A blood clot floating through blood vessels until it blocks flow at a narrow point.

Question 8

What condition results from a blockage in a coronary artery?

Answer 8

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or heart attack.

Question 9

What does ‘infarction’ mean?

Answer 9

The death of tissue.

Question 10

What are the consequences of prolonged hypoxia in tissues?

Answer 10

Tissues will die if blood flow is not restored in time.

Question 11

What is the leading cause of death in the United States?

Answer 11

Coronary artery disease.

Question 12

What is the peak incidence age range for heart disease?

Answer 12

45 to 64 years.

Question 13

List the major controllable risk factors for acute myocardial infarction.

Answer 13

• Cigarette smoking
• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Elevated blood glucose (diabetes)
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity

Question 14

What are the major uncontrollable risk factors for acute myocardial infarction?

Answer 14

• Older age
• Family history of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Male sex

Question 15

True or False: Stress and poor diet can play a role in heart disease.

Answer 15

True.