Block A3 - Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

A slowly worsening disease characterized by a progressive narrowing of the blood vessel lumen

Question 2

What are the consequences of atherosclerosis?

Answer 2

Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs

Question 3

What is the leading cause of mortality worldwide?

Answer 3

Cardiovascular disease

Question 4

What percentage of deaths in Europe are caused by cardiovascular disease in females before the age of 70?

Answer 4

29%

Question 5

What are the four main classes of lipoproteins?

Answer 5

• Chylomicrons
• VLDL
• LDL
• HDL

Question 6

What is hyperlipoproteinaemia?

Answer 6

Poor diet and genetic factors disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to elevated levels of LDL and VLDL

Question 7

What initiates the development of atherosclerosis?

Answer 7

Endothelial cell injury

Question 8

What is the role of oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) in atherosclerosis?

Answer 8

Triggers inflammation and adhesion of immune cells

Question 9

What are fatty streaks in the context of atherosclerosis?

Answer 9

Formed by macrophages and smooth muscle cells engulfing oxidized lipids

Question 10

What is the fibrous cap in atherosclerotic plaques?

Answer 10

A layer formed by smooth muscle cells and matrix proteins over the foam cell layer

Question 11

True or False: Plaques in atherosclerosis can become unstable and may rupture.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What is the best target for the stabilization and regression of atherosclerotic plaques?

Answer 12

Plasma cholesterol concentration

Question 13

What class of drugs are statins?

Answer 13

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Question 14

What is the primary effect of statins?

Answer 14

Reduce circulating LDL levels and triglycerides

Question 15

What is the contraindication for using statins?

Answer 15

Pregnancy and liver disease

Question 16

What does ezetimibe inhibit?

Answer 16

Absorption of cholesterol in the gut

Question 17

What is bempedoic acid’s mechanism of action?

Answer 17

ATP Citrate Lyase Inhibitor that reduces cholesterol synthesis

Question 18

What are PCSK9 Inhibitors?

Answer 18

Monoclonal antibodies that prevent LDL receptor degradation

Question 19

What is the main effect of bile acid sequestrants?

Answer 19

Reduce circulating LDL levels

Question 20

What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Answer 20

• Age
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Alcohol
• Family history
• Tobacco

Question 21

What is stable angina?

Answer 21

Angina brought on by effort, short-lived

Question 22

What is unstable angina?

Answer 22

Angina that can occur at rest and is unpredictable

Question 23

What causes myocardial infarction?

Answer 23

Prolonged reduction or cessation of blood flow

Question 24

What is a transmural infarct?

Answer 24

Cell death extends throughout the whole thickness of the heart muscle

Question 25

What are the potential consequences of myocardial infarction?

Answer 25

* Arrhythmia * Heart failure * Cardiogenic shock

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Atherosclerosis is the dominant cause of _______.

Answer 26

Cardiovascular disease

Question 27

What is the primary goal of medications for ischaemic attacks?

Answer 27

Increase coronary blood flow

Question 28

What is the mechanism of nitrates in treating angina?

Answer 28

Increase blood flow by promoting vasodilation

Question 29

What lifestyle changes are important for preventing atherosclerosis?

Answer 29

Healthy eating and exercise

Question 30

What are some forms of medication mentioned for treating cardiovascular issues?

Answer 30

Lingual spray, ointment, sustained release tablets, intravenous infusion ## Footnote These forms of medication are used in cardiovascular pharmacology.

Question 31

What is the role of lifestyle changes in atherosclerosis management?

Answer 31

Important for preventing/treating atherosclerosis and its consequences.

Question 32

What are lipid-lowering drugs used for?

Answer 32

Lower plasma cholesterol and transport.

Question 33

Name three types of medications taken every day to prevent attacks.

Answer 33

* Anti-hypertensive drugs * Anti-clotting drugs * Lipid lowering drugs

Question 34

What are the main classes of lipid-lowering drugs?

Answer 34

* Statins * Fibrates * Ezetimibe

Question 35

What do statins do?

Answer 35

Reduce plasma LDL.

Question 36

What is the function of fibrates?

Answer 36

Reduce circulating LDL.

Question 37

How does ezetimibe work?

Answer 37

Reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine.

Question 38

What are COX-1 inhibitors used for?

Answer 38

Combat thrombus formation by reducing thromboxane.

Question 39

What is the mechanism of action of ADP receptor inhibitors?

Answer 39

Interfere with platelet function.

Question 40

Which medication is an example of a COX-1 inhibitor?

Answer 40

Aspirin.

Question 41

What surgical interventions are available for angina if medications fail?

Answer 41

* Coronary angioplasty & stenting * Coronary artery bypass graft

Question 42

What are the learning outcomes related to atherosclerosis?

Answer 42

* Understand the causes and development of atherosclerosis * Understand the consequences of atherosclerosis in arteries of the heart * Understand the treatments for coronary heart disease

Question 43

True or False: Atherosclerosis is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Answer 43

True.

Question 44

What is the significance of blood flow from the heart?

Answer 44

Must feed the heart.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: GC stands for _______.

Answer 45

Guanylate cyclase.

Question 46

Fill in the blank: GTP stands for _______.

Answer 46

Guanosine triphosphate.

Question 47

Fill in the blank: cGMP stands for _______.

Answer 47

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

Question 48

Who visualized thrombus formation in living mice?

Answer 48

Satoshi Nishimura.

Question 49

What is the purpose of anti-clotting drugs?

Answer 49

Prevent thrombosis.