Block A3 - Atherosclerosis Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis?
A slowly worsening disease characterized by a progressive narrowing of the blood vessel lumen
What are the consequences of atherosclerosis?
Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs
What is the leading cause of mortality worldwide?
Cardiovascular disease
What percentage of deaths in Europe are caused by cardiovascular disease in females before the age of 70?
29%
What are the four main classes of lipoproteins?
- Chylomicrons
- VLDL
- LDL
- HDL
What is hyperlipoproteinaemia?
Poor diet and genetic factors disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to elevated levels of LDL and VLDL
What initiates the development of atherosclerosis?
Endothelial cell injury
What is the role of oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) in atherosclerosis?
Triggers inflammation and adhesion of immune cells
What are fatty streaks in the context of atherosclerosis?
Formed by macrophages and smooth muscle cells engulfing oxidized lipids
What is the fibrous cap in atherosclerotic plaques?
A layer formed by smooth muscle cells and matrix proteins over the foam cell layer
True or False: Plaques in atherosclerosis can become unstable and may rupture.
True
What is the best target for the stabilization and regression of atherosclerotic plaques?
Plasma cholesterol concentration
What class of drugs are statins?
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
What is the primary effect of statins?
Reduce circulating LDL levels and triglycerides
What is the contraindication for using statins?
Pregnancy and liver disease
What does ezetimibe inhibit?
Absorption of cholesterol in the gut
What is bempedoic acid’s mechanism of action?
ATP Citrate Lyase Inhibitor that reduces cholesterol synthesis
What are PCSK9 Inhibitors?
Monoclonal antibodies that prevent LDL receptor degradation
What is the main effect of bile acid sequestrants?
Reduce circulating LDL levels
What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?
- Age
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Alcohol
- Family history
- Tobacco
What is stable angina?
Angina brought on by effort, short-lived
What is unstable angina?
Angina that can occur at rest and is unpredictable
What causes myocardial infarction?
Prolonged reduction or cessation of blood flow
What is a transmural infarct?
Cell death extends throughout the whole thickness of the heart muscle
What are the potential consequences of myocardial infarction?
- Arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Cardiogenic shock
Fill in the blank: Atherosclerosis is the dominant cause of _______.
Cardiovascular disease
What is the primary goal of medications for ischaemic attacks?
Increase coronary blood flow
What is the mechanism of nitrates in treating angina?
Increase blood flow by promoting vasodilation
What lifestyle changes are important for preventing atherosclerosis?
Healthy eating and exercise
What are some forms of medication mentioned for treating cardiovascular issues?
Lingual spray, ointment, sustained release tablets, intravenous infusion
These forms of medication are used in cardiovascular pharmacology.
What is the role of lifestyle changes in atherosclerosis management?
Important for preventing/treating atherosclerosis and its consequences.
What are lipid-lowering drugs used for?
Lower plasma cholesterol and transport.
Name three types of medications taken every day to prevent attacks.
- Anti-hypertensive drugs
- Anti-clotting drugs
- Lipid lowering drugs
What are the main classes of lipid-lowering drugs?
- Statins
- Fibrates
- Ezetimibe
What do statins do?
Reduce plasma LDL.
What is the function of fibrates?
Reduce circulating LDL.
How does ezetimibe work?
Reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
What are COX-1 inhibitors used for?
Combat thrombus formation by reducing thromboxane.
What is the mechanism of action of ADP receptor inhibitors?
Interfere with platelet function.
Which medication is an example of a COX-1 inhibitor?
Aspirin.
What surgical interventions are available for angina if medications fail?
- Coronary angioplasty & stenting
- Coronary artery bypass graft
What are the learning outcomes related to atherosclerosis?
- Understand the causes and development of atherosclerosis
- Understand the consequences of atherosclerosis in arteries of the heart
- Understand the treatments for coronary heart disease
True or False: Atherosclerosis is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
True.
What is the significance of blood flow from the heart?
Must feed the heart.
Fill in the blank: GC stands for _______.
Guanylate cyclase.
Fill in the blank: GTP stands for _______.
Guanosine triphosphate.
Fill in the blank: cGMP stands for _______.
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate.
Who visualized thrombus formation in living mice?
Satoshi Nishimura.
What is the purpose of anti-clotting drugs?
Prevent thrombosis.
