Medical Surgical

Question 1

Atherosclerosis

Answer 1

• Can begin in childhood and progress to coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Injury, inflammation to artery endothelial cell lining
  1. Smooth muscle cells grow despite damage.
  2..Collagen and fibrous proteins are secreted. 3. Lipids, platelets, clotting factors accumulate.
  4. Scar tissue replaces some of arterial wall.
  5. Early fatty streak –early indication of damage
  6. Plaque build-up
  -Irregular jagged edges
  - Blood cells/other material adhere to artery wall
  7. Reduced blood flow from narrowing artery
  8. Plaque develops calcium fibrous cap.
  9. Plaque fibrous cap ruptures or tears.
  10. Blood clot forms.
  11. Clot may occlude artery or break loose.
  
  • Can lodge in small cardiac artery