Pathology of cardiovascular disease Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis
The accumulation of fatty material (cholesterol) forming an atheroma or plaque under the endothelium of the artery
As the atheroma grows describe the effect it has on an artery
artery will thicken and lose its elasticity
lumen is narrower
blood flow is restricted
this result sin increased blood pressure
When an atheroma has developed in an artery what can happen to the organ or tissue that the blood is flowing to
tissue/organ receives less blood, less oxygen and cells die
What can narrowing from an atheroma lead to
angina, heart attach
stroke
What is angina
a crushing pain which comes on when the heart si working hard and demanding more oxygen during exercise
the pain will disappear when exercise is stopped
What is the result of a blocked coronary artery
the heart cells are deprived of oxygen leaing to death fo tissue
What is the medical term for a heart attack
myocardial infarction
What is a stroke
a blockage or blood clot in an artery in the brain
What si the result of a stroke
cells beyond the blockage will be deprived of oxygen leading to the death of brain tissue
What is thrombus
A blood clot
what is thrombosis
when a thrombus is in a blood vessel
What is damaged if an atheroma ruptures
endothelium
What is the enzyme prothrombin converted into
thrombin
What does thrombin cause
molecules of the plasma protein fibrinogen to form threads of fibrin
Fibrin threads form a meshwork that what
clots the blood
seals the wound
provides a scaffold for the formation for scar tissue
What happens if a thrombus breaks loose
forms an embolus
What can a thrombosis in a coronary artery lead to
heart attack
what can a thrombosis in the artery in the brain lead to
stroke
What is peripheral vascular disease
narrowing of arteries due to atherosclerosis in arteries other than those of the heart or brain
Where does PVD commonly ccur
in the arteries to the legs
What are the symptoms and cause of PVD
pain is experienced in leg muscle due to limited supply of oxygen
What si deep vein thrombosis
the formation of a blood clot that forms in a deep vein most commonly in the leg
Describe a pulmonary embolism
caused by a part fo a thrombus breaking free and travels via the vena cava and heart chambers to the pulmonary artery where it can cause a blockage in the lungs reusulting in chest pain and breathing difficulties
What can an untreated pulmonary embolism lead to
death
What is cholesterol
type of lipid found in the cell membrane
where in the body is most of the cholesterol synthesised
liver
what is cholesterol synthesised from
saturated fats in the diet
Name a structure in the body that requires cholesterol
cell membranes
name a function of cholesterol in the body
needed to make sex hormones testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone
What are lipoproteins
contain lipid and protein
Describe high density lipoproteins
transports excess cholesterol from body cells to liver to be broken down
prevents accumulation of cholesterol in the blood
Describe low density lipoproteins
transports cholesterol form liver to body cells
releases cholesterol into the cells
What happens once a cell has sufficent cholesterol
a negative feedback system inhibits the synthesis of new LDL receptors
What is the result of the negative feedbakc system inhibiting the synthesis of new LDL receptors
results in LDL circulating in the blood where it may deposit cholesterol in the arteries forming atheromas
What does a higher rate of HDL to LDL results in
lower blood cholesterol and a reduced chance of developing atherosclerosis
What does regular physical activity do
raise HDL levels
What does dietary changes do
reduces the levels of total fat in the diet and replace saturated with unsaturated fats
What does the drug satins do
reduce blood cholesterol by inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol by liver cells
