Pathology of Cardiovascular Disease Flashcards
What is Atherosclerosis?
This is the accumulation of fatty materials (mainly cholesterol, fibrous materials and calcium) forming an Atheroma/Plaque beneath the endothelium
What is the outcome of Atherosclerosis?
This causes the artery to thicken and lose its elasticity, a reduction in the diameter of the lumen and blood flow resulting in an increase of blood pressure
What can Atherosclerosis lead to?
This can lead to the development of various CVD’s such as heart attacks, angina, strokes and PVD
What is blood clotting?
This is a protective device triggered by damage to cells in order to prevent blood loss
What can Atheromas do?
This can rupture, damaging the Endothelium causing the release of clotting factors
What is the function of threads of fibrin?
These create a meshwork which clots the blood, seals the wound and provides a scaffold for the formation of scar tissue
What is Thrombosis?
This is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a blood vessel usually caused by an atheroma enlarging and rupturing the endothelium of the vessel
What is it called when thrombus breaks loose and what does it do?
It is called a Embolus and it is carried along by blood until it blocks a narrow vessel and can reduce blood flow or cut it off completely
What can thrombosis in a coronary artery cause?
Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
What can thrombosis in a artery leading to the brain cause?
A stroke
What can happen when cells are deprived of oxygen?
It leads to death of tissues
What are the Peripheral Arterys?
Those other than the Aorta, Coronary Arteries or Carotid Arteries
What happens if the Peripheral Arteries are affected by Atheroscerosis?
It can lead to PVD, mostly affecting the legs
What is DVT?
Deep Vein Thrombus and is the formation of Thrombus in a deep vein
What is called when a thrombus in a vein breaks free?
A Pulmonary Embolism
What is the function of Cholesterol?
Precursor for synthesis of steroids and its the basic component of cell membranes
What is cholesterol made from?
Saturated Fats
Where is cholesterol made?
25% of it is made from liver cells
How does cholesterol transported around the body?
It has to be attached to Lipoproteins
What are High-density Lipoproteins?
These are known as good cholesterol. These HDL’s transport excess cholesterol from the body cells to the liver for elimination which prevents a high level of cholesterol building up
What are Low-density Lipoproteins?
These are know as bad cholesterol. These LDL’s transport cholesterol from the liver to body cells. Most cells synthesise LDL receptors, which take LDL into the cells where it releases cholesterol
How do Atheromas come about?
Once the body cells has an adequate supply of cholesterol, negative feedback inhibits synthesis of new LDL receptors therefore reducing the amount of LDL-cholesterol taken into cells so the cholesterol is left circulating in the blood where it may deposit cholesterol into the arteries, which brings about an Atheroma
Why doesn’t HDL contribute to Atherosclerosis?
Because it isn’t taken into the Endothelial Walls
What lowers cholesterol in the blood and reduces the chances of Atherosclerosis and CVD?
A higher ration of HDL to LDL
What can increase HDL levels?
Regular exercise and a low saturated fat diet
What medication can reduce cholesterol levels and how do they do it?
Statins - they inhibit an enzyme essential for cholesterol synthesis
