Atherosclerosis and IHD

Question 1

What are the 3 layers of vascular walls? What functions do they have?

Answer 1

Tunica intima- flattened epithelium/endothelium. Secretes many vasoactive chemicals, including the anti-thrombotic vasodilator NO.
Tunica media- Supplies mechanical strength and contractile power. 2 sheets of elastin called the internal and external elastic lamina mark it’s boundaries.
Tunica adventitia- Connective tissue sheath with no distinct outer border.

Question 2

Where do deposits typically get deposited?

Answer 2

Between the intima and media or within the intima

Question 3

What are the components of a atheromatous plaque?

Answer 3

Fibrous cap, cells, lipids, connective tissue and ECM

Question 4

What 4 syndromes can IHD lead to?

Answer 4

MI, angina pectoris, chronic IHD, sudden cardiac death

Question 5

What percentage luminal stenosis is considered critical for IHD?

Answer 5

75%

Question 6

What is the difference between a transmural and subendocardial MI?

Answer 6

Transmural MIs affect the full thickness of the wall and are typically in the distribution of a single artery. Subendocardial MIs are the inner 1/3-1/2 of myocardium

Question 7

What are the three main arteries supplying the heart and what is their distribution?

Answer 7

Left anterior descending- apex, anetrior wall of the LV, andterior IVS
Left circumflex artery- Lateral LV not apex
Right coronary artery- Inferior posterior wall LV, posterior IVS RV

Question 8

What sort of hypertrophy is caused by hypertensive heart disease?

Answer 8

Concentric hypertrophy