Atherosclerosis Flashcards
1
Q
What are the systemic and local factors that lead to atherosclerosis?
A
Systemic:
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Cigarette smoke toxins
- Other toxins
- Homocysteine
Local:
- Turbulence at branching points
2
Q
Which arteries are most often affected by atherosclerosis?
A
Carotid bifurcation / internal carotid arteries
Coronary arteries
Lower abdominal aorta
Popliteal artery
Circle of Willis
3
Q
How does atherosclerotic plaque suddenly cause symptoms?
A
Rupture / fissuring / ulceration / erosion (exposing thrombogenic constituents, leading to thrombosis), or Bleed into the plaque (enlargement of the plaque), can cause sudden occlusion of a vessel and downstream ischaemia (causing pain). Embolisation of plaque can cause ischaemia where it lodges elsewhere in the body. Aneurysm formation, with sudden rupture, haemorrhage, vessel occlusion. (2/4 bold to pass)
