atherosclerosis+blood Clotting

Question 1

why does blood clot in arteries

Answer 1

higher blood pressure in arteries than veins

Question 2

describe process of blood clotting

Answer 2

damaged blood vessel releases thromboplastin (with prescience of VIT K and calcium ions) prothrombin -> thrombin (enzyme)

thrombin catalyses reaction converting soluble fibrinogen -> fibrin(insoluble) plasma protein

fibrin forms a mesh over damaged area trapping red blood cells and platelets causing a blood clot

Question 3

what causes atherosclerosis

Answer 3

endothelium becomes damaged triggering an inflammatory response.
white blood cells such as macrophages build up in the area along with chemicals such as lipids and cholesterol. this forms a fibrous plaque

Question 4

how does atherosclerosis increase blood pressure ?

Answer 4

the fibrous plaque blocks arteries which narrows lumen. this restricts blood flow causing the blood to be pumped at higher pressure -> increasing bp

Question 5

Watts to reduce CVD

Answer 5

• antihypertensives
• statins
• anticoagulants
• platelet inhibitors

Question 6

What are antihypertensives ?

Answer 6

• lower BP which reduces risk of endothelial damage , reduces risk of athetoid and blood clots
• beta blockers( prevent increase in heart rate) vasodilators( widen diameter of blood vessels ) dieuretics ( decreasing volume of water réabsorber into blood) -> increase volume of urine produced, rids body of excess water

Question 7

What are some benefits and risks of antihypertensives ?

Answer 7

Dietetics -> risks are dizziness nausea or muscle cramps
Benefits reduce bp, bp can be monitired at home
Drugs can be combined to maximise effectiveness

Question 8

What are statins ?

Answer 8

Drugs that lower blood cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in liver

This lowers LDLconc, reducing risk of atheroma formation

Question 9

Benefits and risks of statins ?

Answer 9

Benefits reduce LDL in blood , reducing atheroma formation, increase good HDL, which further aids removal of bad LDL

Risks are that it takes a while to become effective , long term drug , side effects of muscle and joint pain, false sense of security

Question 10

What are anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors?

Answer 10

Drugs that reduce blood clotting which decreases likelihood of thrombosis reducing risk of vessels being blocked

Platelet inhibitors are a type of this. They reduce clumping of platelets-> preventing blood clots( aspirin an example)

Question 11

Benefits and risks of anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors?

Answer 11

Benefits are that it reduces risk of athetoid forming
Risks are that it can cause excessive bleeding if there’s an injury
Side effects such as rashes, liver dysfunction
Combining two of these can increase risk if harmful effects