L46-atherosclerosis Flashcards
Define atherosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries thickening and loss of elasticity
Affects the tunica media the most
What are the major risk factors for atherosclerosis
1)life style Dyslipidemia hypertension diabetes mellitus smoking 2) age sex genetic factors familiar and racial factors 3-environmental factors Obesity Hormones physical activity stressful life role of alcohol prothrombotic factors High CRP infections Homocystnuria
What is the theory behind development of atherosclerosis/pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Endothelial injury and dysfunction lead to ROS release and dec in production of NO
Increased vascular permeability leads to accumulation of LDL in the sub endothelium
Monocyte adhesion and migration and platelet activation and activation occur
What are foam cells made of
Oxidized LDL
cholesterol accumulation
extra and intracellularly macrophages smooth muscle cells
What does the foam cells do
They secrete cytokines growth factors and collagen leading to smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix production and T cells recruitment leading to a hard stiff fibro lipid plaque
What does the fibrous cap undergo
Continuous remodeling that can stabilize the plaque or render it more susceptible to rupture
What are vulnerable plaques
Thin fibrous caps ,large lipid cores with necrosis and increased inflammatory cells are likely to complicate or to rupture
What is a stable plaque
Thickened dense collagen ,fibrous caps minimal inflammation and underlying aretheromataous core
What do mechanical strength and stability of the plaque depend on
Fibrous cap integrity
What is the major structural component of the fibrous cup and what is its function
Collagen and it accounts for its mechanic and stretch and stupidity the balance of synthesis versus degradation affects cap integrity
Distribution of atherosclerosis
Arteries bigger than 2mm and exposed to high blood pressure
Pulmonary artery exposed to high pulmonary pressure
Not in heart
Veins if transplanted in to high pressure arterial side of circulation
What is the morphology of atherosclerosis in the aorta
Elevated fibrous plaques with white cap
Complicated lesions
Ulcers hemorrhage calcification and overlying thrombus
