CVD Learning Objectives Flashcards
List the risk factors associated with CVD
- dyslipidemia
- hypertension
- insulin rsistance
- smoking
- heavy alcohol consumption
- DM
- obesity
- physical inactivity
- increased C-reactive protein
- age
- family history
What is atherosclerosis?
the hardening of the arteries due to accumulation of plaque in the arterial wall
what are the type of “plaque build up” created in atherosclerosis?
- cholesterol
- lipids
- calcium
- macrophages
- fibrin
What does it mean when the activation of endothelial cells occurs?
it means that there is an inflammation in the heart
describe the pathophysiology of CVD
• Activation of endothelial cells – inflammation
Recruit monocytes
• Penetrate the vessel and differentiate to macrophages
• Release pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Release enzymes that damage the vessel wall
• Create reactive oxygen species
• Oxidative stress
• Oxidation of LDL
• Additional damage
• Growth factors stimulate proliferation of smooth muscle cells
• Angiotensin II
• Fibroblast growth factor
• Platelet derived growth factor
• Additional LDL penetrates the vessel wall
• Oxidized by macrophages, among other things
• Toxic to endothelial cells
• Causes smooth muscle proliferation
• Increases recruitment of macrophages
• Internalized by macrophages in vessel wall
• Cannot get rid of LDL
• Become foam cells
Describe process for atherothrombosis
- First phase – LDL deposit into the cells of the inner wall of artery.
- 2nd and 3rd phase – inflammatory cells move into the vessel wall and plaque continues to grow
- 4th phase- smooth muscle cells proliferation changes and begins to break down.
Identify prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease.
- primary prevention
- life long prevention (maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking & second hand smoke, exercise regularly)
- secondary prevention (screening high-risk individuals, risk factor reduction, lifestyle modification, drugs)
