Cardiovascular Diseases Flashcards
What is the normal presentation of atherosclerosis?
Normally asymptomatic until complications. If severe, can cause angina or neurological problems.
In which arteries can atherosclerosis occur?
Aorta, cerebral, common iliac/femoral, coronary, carotid
What is the normal pathology of atherosclerosis?
Endothelial damage causes LDLs to be attracted to the wall. Chemoattractants are released from the endothelium. Neutrophils are attracted and phagocytose LDLs to form foam cells. These are inflammatory and cause an accumulation. Fibrous cap forms. This can then occlude flow or rupture.
How is atherosclerosis normally diagnosed?
Patients over 40 should be assessed for their risk during their NHS health check every 5 years
What is a fatty streak?
The earliest lesion of atherosclerosis. Aggregation of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells), and T lymphocytes within the intima
What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?
Hypercholesterolaemia, Hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, males, older age, social deprivation, family history, south Asian African or Caribbean descent
What are some natural preventative measures for atherosclerosis?
Smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, weight reduction, lower alcohol consumption, exercise, managing diabetes
What medications can be used to prevent progression of atherosclerosis?
Statins (satorvastatin, fluvastatin),
Blood pressure medications= CCB, ARBs, ACE
Low dose aspirin
What surgical interventions can be used for atherosclerosis?
Coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass
What are some possible complications of atherosclerosis?
Coronary artery disease, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, TIA, peripheral artery disease
What is the normal presentation of hypertension?
Usually asymptomatic
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Obesity, high salt, caffeine, alcohol, low exercise, over 65s, family history, black African or Caribbean descent, some medications such as the pill, steroids, Eclampsia, renal disease
What are the types of hypertension?
Primary= Unknown cause Secondary= Caused by another condition
What is the aetiology for secondary hypertension?
Kidney disease, diabetes, hormonal problems
What is CBP?
Clinic blood pressure
What is ABPM?
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
What is HBPM?
Home blood pressure monitoring
What CBP would imply stage 1 hypertension?
> 140/90
How is a diagnosis of hypertension made?
CBP of over 140/90 on two separate readings, then offered ABPM or HBPM to confirm
What CBP would imply stage 2 hypertension?
> 160/100
What CBP would imply stage 3 hypertension?
> 180/120
What extra investigations would be offered to someone with hypertension?
Urinalysis= for haematuria and proteinuria (Renal disease)
Urine albumin creatinine ratio (End organ damage)
ECG for cardiac arrhythmias
Blood U&E for renal impairment
HbA1c for diabetes
What preventative measures can be taken for hypertension?
Exercise, smoking cessation, lower salt intake, lower alcohol and caffeine, healthy BMI
What would be the first line of treatment for someone with type II diabetes or is under 55 and non-black, who has hypertension?
ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II inhibitor (ARB)