chapter 17-Atherosclerosis Flashcards
What is the primary cause of low blood flow to heart tissue?
Coronary artery atherosclerosis
Coronary artery atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular condition that can lead to serious complications.
Define atherosclerosis.
A disorder in which calcium and cholesterol build up and form a plaque inside the walls of blood vessels.
This buildup obstructs blood flow and affects vessel function.
What materials build up in atherosclerosis?
Calcium and cholesterol
These materials form plaques that can obstruct blood flow in arteries.
What is the effect of atherosclerosis on blood vessels?
Obstructs flow and interferes with the ability to dilate or contract.
This dysfunction can lead to reduced blood flow to tissues.
What can atherosclerosis eventually cause in coronary arteries?
Complete occlusion, or blockage.
This can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks.
Does atherosclerosis only affect coronary arteries?
No, it usually involves other arteries of the body as well.
Atherosclerosis is a systemic condition that can affect multiple vascular regions.
What begins the problem of atherosclerosis?
The first trace of cholesterol is deposited on the inside of an artery
This may happen as early as the teenage years.
What happens to the lumen of the artery as cholesterol deposits grow?
The lumen narrows
This is due to the accumulation of fatty material.
What additional deposits can form as cholesterol deposits grow?
Calcium deposits
These contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
How does the inner wall of the artery change with atherosclerosis?
It becomes rough and brittle
This occurs as a result of atherosclerotic plaques.
What may happen to a brittle plaque in an artery?
It may develop a crack
This exposes the inside of the atherosclerotic wall.
What activates the blood-clotting system when a plaque cracks?
The ragged edge of the crack
This acts like a torn blood vessel.
What is a thromboembolism?
A blood clot that is floating through blood vessels
It can block blood flow when it reaches a narrow area.
What happens to tissues downstream from a thromboembolism?
They experience a lack of oxygen (hypoxia)
This occurs if blood flow is blocked.
What can happen if blood flow is restored quickly after hypoxia?
The hypoxic tissues will recover
Timely restoration of blood flow is crucial.
What is the consequence of prolonged lack of blood flow to hypoxic tissues?
The hypoxic tissues will die
This can lead to serious complications.
What condition results from a blockage in a coronary artery?
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
This is commonly known as a heart attack.
What does infarction mean?
The death of tissue
This term is used in the context of organ damage, including the heart and brain.
What effect does the death of heart muscle have on heart function?
Decreases the heart’s ability to pump
It can also lead to cardiac arrest.
What is the number one cause of death in the United States for men and women?
Coronary artery disease
This condition is a major health concern affecting a significant portion of the population.
At what ages is the peak incidence of heart disease observed?
Between the ages of 45 and 64 years
Heart disease can affect individuals outside of this age range.
Can a 26-year-old experience an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?
Yes, especially if they have a higher than usual risk
It is important to remain vigilant about heart disease symptoms at any age.
What are factors that place a person at higher risk for an AMI called?
Risk factors
These factors can be controllable or uncontrollable.
List the major controllable risk factors for AMI.
- Cigarette smoking
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol level
- Elevated blood glucose level (diabetes)
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
Managing these factors can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
What are the major uncontrollable risk factors for AMI?
- Older age
- Family history of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Male sex
These factors cannot be changed but are important to consider in risk assessments.
Which lifestyle factors can contribute to heart disease?
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol
- Poor diet
These factors can often be modified to improve heart health.
