Atherosclerosis Flashcards
Define atherosclerosis
Slow accumulation of lipid debris specific to arterial intima associated with inflammatory reaction: atheroma/atherosclerotic plaque
What 2 inflammatory conditions are associated with atherosclerosis?
- Atheroma
- Atherosclerotic plaque
How can athersclerotic plaque progress to become unstable? (6)
- Obstruct blood flow
- Weaken underlying media
- Interplaque haemorrage
- Plaque surface ruptures
- Endothelium exposed to lipid debris
- Thrombus formed on top = unstabe plaque
What are the constitutional risk factors for atherosclerosis? (3)
- Age
- Gender (earlier age and greater frequency in men)
- Genetics (multifactorial)
How does risk of athersclerosis change with gender? (2)
- Greater frequency and earlier age in men
- Post menopause: risk the same as no more oestrogen
What are the modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis? (4)
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia/hypercholesterolaemia
- Smoking
- Diabetes
Why does diabetes increase risk of factors for atherosclerosis?
Induces hypercholesterolaemia
Why does high BP/smoking increase risk of atherosclerosis?
Causes endothelial dysunction
What is atherosclerosis a type of?
Arteriosclerosis
What is arteriosclerosis? (2)
- Thickening of arterial walls
- Loss of elasticity
What properties are specfifc to athersclerosis rather than other types of arteriosclerosis?
- Large and intermediate blood vessel
- In the intima layer
What are the other types of arteriosclerosis? (2)
- Medial calficic sclerosis
- Arteriolosclerosis
What properties are specfifc to medial calficic sclerosis rather than other types of arteriosclerosis? (2)
- Intermediate blood vessel
- Media layer
What properties are specfifc to arteriolosclerosis rather than other types of arteriosclerosis? (2)
- Small blood vessel
- Full thickness
