Pathology of Cardiovascular Disease

Question 1

What is Atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

This is the accumulation of fatty materials (mainly cholesterol, fibrous materials and calcium) forming an Atheroma/Plaque beneath the endothelium

Question 2

What is the outcome of Atherosclerosis?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What can Atherosclerosis lead to?

Answer 3

This can lead to the development of various CVD’s such as heart attacks, angina, strokes and PVD

Question 4

What is blood clotting?

Answer 4

This is a protective device triggered by damage to cells in order to prevent blood loss

Question 5

What can Atheromas do?

Answer 5

This can rupture, damaging the Endothelium causing the release of clotting factors

Question 6

What is the function of threads of fibrin?

Answer 6

These create a meshwork which clots the blood, seals the wound and provides a scaffold for the formation of scar tissue

Question 7

What is Thrombosis?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is it called when thrombus breaks loose and what does it do?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What can thrombosis in a coronary artery cause?

Answer 9

Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)

Question 10

What can thrombosis in a artery leading to the brain cause?

Answer 10

A stroke

Question 11

What can happen when cells are deprived of oxygen?

Answer 11

It leads to death of tissues

Question 12

What are the Peripheral Arterys?

Answer 12

Those other than the Aorta, Coronary Arteries or Carotid Arteries

Question 13

What happens if the Peripheral Arteries are affected by Atheroscerosis?

Answer 13

It can lead to PVD, mostly affecting the legs

Question 14

What is DVT?

Answer 14

Deep Vein Thrombus and is the formation of Thrombus in a deep vein

Question 15

What is called when a thrombus in a vein breaks free?

Answer 15

A Pulmonary Embolism

Question 16

What is the function of Cholesterol?

Answer 16

Precursor for synthesis of steroids and its the basic component of cell membranes

Question 17

What is cholesterol made from?

Answer 17

Saturated Fats

Question 18

Where is cholesterol made?

Answer 18

25% of it is made from liver cells

Question 19

How does cholesterol transported around the body?

Answer 19

It has to be attached to Lipoproteins

Question 20

What are High-density Lipoproteins?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are Low-density Lipoproteins?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

How do Atheromas come about?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Why doesn’t HDL contribute to Atherosclerosis?

Answer 23

Because it isn’t taken into the Endothelial Walls

Question 24

What lowers cholesterol in the blood and reduces the chances of Atherosclerosis and CVD?

Answer 24

A higher ration of HDL to LDL

Question 25

What can increase HDL levels?

Answer 25

Regular exercise and a low saturated fat diet

Question 26

What medication can reduce cholesterol levels and how do they do it?

Answer 26

Statins - they inhibit an enzyme essential for cholesterol synthesis