Pathology of atherosclerosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is atherosclerosis?
A
A disease in which plaque builds up in your arteries.
2
Q
Whats in a plaque?
A
Fibrous tissue
lipids (cholesterol)
Lymphocytes
3
Q
Where does atherosclerosis occur?
A
In bigger arteries e.g. aorta.
Doesn’t occur in pulmonary arteries as these have lower blood pressure.
4
Q
What are risk factors for atherosclerosis?
A
Cigarette smoking Hypertension Diabetes mellitus (if poorly controlled) Hyperlipidaemia Men Aging Distribution - more common in deprived, industrial areas.
5
Q
How do risk factors contribute to atherosclerosis?
A
Cigarette smoking - nicotine and CO damage endothelial cells.
High blood pressure - shearing forces on endothelial cells
Diabetes - superoxide anions and glycosylation products
Hyperlipidaemia - damages endothelial cells
