Risk Factors Flashcards
what is atherosclerosis?
a progressive disease that is characterised by a buildup of plaque within the arteries
what is plaque formed from?
fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium and fibrin
what are the two things that can happen to a plaque?
bleeding into the plaque, or formation of a clot on the surface if the plaque
if either of these happens and blocks the artery, a heart attack or stroke may result
describe the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques
endothelial damage
protective response results in production of cellular adhesion molecules
monocytes and T lymphocytes attach to ‘sticky’ surface of endothelial cells
migrate through arterial wall to subendothelial space
macrophages take up oxidised LDL-c
lipid-rich foam cells
fatty streak and plaque
describe the pathway of thrombosis superimposed on atherosclerosis
fatty streak
fibrous plaque
atherosclerotic plaque
plaque rupture/ fissure and thrombosis
modifiable risk factors for CV disease
smoking dyslipidaemia raised BP diabetes mellitus obesity dietary factors thrombogenic factors lack of exercise excess alcohol consumption deprivation
non modifiable risk factors for CVD
personal history
family history
age
gender
role of statins
always reduce CHD end points reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol improvement of endothelial dysfunction increased nitric oxide bioavailability antioxidant properties inhibition of inflammatory responses stabilisation of atherosclerotic plaques
where do statins act in the production of cholesterol
between HMG-CoA and mevalonic acid
what are tuberous xanthomas?
lipid deposits in the dermis and subcutis; papular, nodular or plaques; extensor surfaces of large joints, hands, buttocks, heels, flexures
types of hypertension
essential and secondary
describe essential hypertension
90%
no underlying cause
describe secondary hypertension
underlying cause
describe xanthelasma
fatty deposits that may or may not be associated with hyperlipidemia
describe tendon xanthomas
on the extensor tendons of fingers, patella, elbows, achilles tendon
diffuse infiltration of tendon by lipid
