Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What are the 4 types of atherosclerosis

What are they characterized by

Answer 1

Arteriosclerosis
-increased thickening, decreased elasticity

Atherosclerosis

• Affects intima (elastic and muscular layer)
• Lipid core, fibrous cap

Monckeburg’s medial sclerosis
-Medial muscular calcification

Arteriolosclerosis
-hyaline wall thickening of arterioles

Question 2

Describe the 4 steps involved in atheroma formation

• normal
• Type 1
• Type 2
• TYpe 3
• TYpe 4

Answer 2

Normal

• intima (collagen)
• media (elastic, SM)

Type 1

• LDL enters endothelium via
  
  • gap junctions
  • receptor endocytosis
• macrophages take up fatty vacuoles => foam cells

Type 2

• SM move from media => intima
• phagocytose lipid and produce collagen

TYpe 3
-increase in collagen, fibrous plaque

TYpe 4
-firbous cap over lipid core

Question 3

What are the 4 common causes for atheroma formation and why

Answer 3

Endothelial damage
-increased permeability and adhesion

Immunological
-scavenger receptor for oxidated LDL => foam cell

Smooth muscle proliferation => more collagen

Hyperlipidaemia
-more LDL => more lipid penetration

Question 4

What are the risk factors for atheroma formation

Answer 4

Diet, high cholesterol
HTN
T2D
Smoking
Male/age
Obesity, lack of physical activity