Atherosclerosis

Question 1

define atherosclerosis

Answer 1

this is degeneration in the walls of the arteries due to the accumulation of fatty deposits (risk increased by smoking, hyperlipideamia, etc.

Question 2

presentation of an atheroma

Answer 2

often only symptomatic if it causes a blockage

symptoms depend on where the blockage is

Question 3

diagnosis of an atheroma

Answer 3

• weakened pulse and reduced BP beyond plaque
• bruit
• bloods (cholesterol)
• doppler ultrasound (uses sounds waves to asses the amount of flow through arteries and veins)

Question 4

management of atheroma

Answer 4

• cholesterol lowering e.g. ezetimibe
• BP lowering medication
• stent
• fibrinolytic therapy e.g. tenecteplase