atherosclerosis

Question 1

define atherosclerosis

Answer 1

progressive disease affecting the intima of elastic and muscular arteries, characterised by a focal atheromas(fibro fatty plaques) has a lipid core covered by fibrous cap

Question 2

define monckebergs’s medial sclerosis

Answer 2

calcification of the media of the muscular arteries

Question 3

arteriolosclerosis

Answer 3

Characterised by the proliferative or hyaline thickening of the walls of small arteries and arterioles.

Question 4

name four major predisposing factors for atherosclerosis

Answer 4

smoking, diabetes, hypertension, diet and hyperlipidaemias

Question 5

name 8 minor predisposing factors for atherosclerosis

Answer 5

obesity, physical inactivity, male gender, increasing age, family history, s(stress oral contraceptives high carbs these three are controversial)

Question 6

describe a type 1 atheromatous plaque

Answer 6

Lipid is present in macrophages in the intima.

Question 7

describe a type 2 plaque

Answer 7

lipid is present in macrophages and smooth muscle cells

Question 8

describe type 3 plaque

Answer 8

fibrous plaque, a lot of collagen secretion, from smooth muscle cells which act like fibroblasts

Question 9

describe type four plaque

Answer 9

complex plaque there is a fibrous cap over the lipid core

Question 10

what causes hyperlipidaemia and how does it impact atherosclerosis

Answer 10

Hyperlipoproteinaemia is the abnormality common to most syndromes of premature atherosclerosis. Can be primary (due to a genetic defect) or secondary to some other disorder (e.g. nephrotic syndrome, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus). Increases in the plasma level of LDL may increase the level of lipid penetration in the arterial wall. Hyperlipoproteinaemia may also directly alter EC function.

Question 11

Effects of atherosclerosis on other major arteries

Answer 11

Slow, insidious narrowing of the vascular lumina, resulting in ischaemia of the tissues perfused by the involved vessels. Seen as intermittent claudication in the legs.
• Sudden occlusion of the lumen by super-imposed thrombosis or haemorrhage into an atheroma, producing ischaemia and, if severe and prolonged, infarction of the tissues in the perfusion zone e.g. myocardial infarct.
• Providing a site for thrombosis and then embolism.
• Weakening the wall of a vessel, causing an aneurysm or rupture.

Question 12

how much of the coronary artery needs to be occluded before there is risk of sudden death

Answer 12

70 per cent

Question 13

what can dislodge plaque

Answer 13

haemorrhage