Unit Two - Key Area 7 Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis?
the accumulation of fatty material (consisting of cholesterol, fibrous material and calcium) forming an atheroma or plaque beneath the endothelium of the artery
Describe the impact of an atheroma?
As the atheroma grows the artery thickens and loses its elasticity. The diameter of the lumen becomes reduced and blood flow becomes restricted resulting in increased blood pressure.
What is atherosclerosis the root cause of?
many cardio vascular diseases such as a heart attack, stroke and angina
Describe the damage of an atheroma?
Atheroma’s may rupture leading to damage to the endothelium. This damage releases clotting factors that activate a cascade of reactions resulting in the conversion of the enzyme prothrombin to its active form thrombin.
What does thrombin do?
Thrombin causes molecules of the plasma protein fibrinogen to form threads of fibrin. The fibrin threads form a meshwork that clots the blood, seals the wound and provides a scaffold for the formation of scar tissue
What is the formation of a blood clot referred to as?
thrombosis
What is deep vein thrombosis?
a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg
What is pulmonary embolism?
caused by part of a thrombus breaking off and causing a blockage in the pulmonary artery resulting to chest pain and breathing difficulties.
What do high density lipoproteins do?
transports excess cholesterol from the rest of the body to the liver for elimination
What do low density lipoproteins do?
transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body and deposit cholesterol inside the arteries
What are statins?
prescribed drugs which can reduce blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting synthesis of cholesterol in the liver
What is cholesterol?
a type of lipid found in the cell membrane, and it is also used to synthesise sex hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood can cause health conditions like CVD
