Pathophysiology of Atheroma Flashcards
Define Atheroma
Atheroma: a build-up of or formation of plaques in the intima of large & medium sized arteries.
What two-step process leads to Atheroma & what causes these ?
1: Endothelial damage
2: Inflammation
Turbulent flow through the artery and hypercholesterolaemia
What is the difference between normal plaque development and advanced plaque formation ?
Advanced plaque formation includes a growth factor (EDGF) which enhances proliferation of smooth muscle
What is the order of events which leads to the development of Atheroma ?
1: Damage to endothelium
2: Accumulation of LDL
3: Monocytes turn into ‘Foamy Macrophages’
3: Platelet adhesion
4: Smooth muscle proliferation
5: Lipid accumulation
What does a fully developed Atheromatous plaque comprise of ?
1: A lipid dense core
2: A fibrous collagen built cap
3: Covered in endothelial cells
What is the central lipid core derived from ?
Dead macrophages
Where are common areas within the body for plaques to form ?
Branch points and bifurcations
What is an early sign of Atheroma in children/Adolescents ?
The presence of a ‘fatty streak’
Name 4 signs of Hyperlipidaemia
1: Primary/Familial
2: Acquired/Secondary
3: Biochemical evidence such as a high lipid profile
4: Tendon Xanthomata
What is a stenosis ?
A narrowing
What can a stenosis lead to ?
An occlusion
A stenosis within a coronary artery can cause what ?
Angina
Ischemic chest pain at rest is usually diagnosed as what ?
Unstable angina
An occlusion in a coronary artery can lead to what ?
Heart attack or ACS which will lead to an infarct (death of cardiac muscle)
A stenosis of a lower limb vessel may cause what ?
Claudication
