Athersclerosis

Question 1

Describe the formation of atherosclerosis

Answer 1

• damage to the endothelial lining of artery wall
• LDL enter via damaged wall
• LDL becomes oxides (Ox-LDL)
• Ox-LDL causes further damage to the endothelial lining
• macrophages engulf the Ox-LDL forming “foam cells”
• foam cells and macrophages release inflammatory medications, cytokines and WBCs to encourage growth of the endothelial lining
• accumulation of foam cells result in fatty streaks lining the endothelial lining
• plaque becomes unstable and ruptures: exposing sub endothelial lining, leading to platelet aggregation and thrombosis

Question 2

List NON modifiable risk factors

Answer 2

• male
• family hx of CHD
• female >55
• male over >45

Question 3

List other risk factors

Answer 3

• LDL - increase
• Triglycerides - increase
• HDL - decrease

• HTN
• obesity
• diabetes
• poor diet
• lack of exercise

Question 4

Ischemia results in increased myocardial workload, which factors increase this?

Answer 4

An Increase in:
• HR
• contratcility
• preload
• afterload

Question 5

Ischemia results in reduced coronary perfusion, which factors can impair perfusion?

Answer 5

• vasospamsm
• poor perfusion rate
• large stable plaque
• platelet aggregation, thrombosis