Vascular history and examination

Question 1

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

A potentially serious condition where arteries become clogged up by fatty substances, such as cholesterol. These substances are called plaques or atheromas.
The plaques cause affected arteries to harden and narrow which is potentially dangerous for two reasons:
restricted blood flow can damage organs and stop them functioning properly.
If a plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot that blocks the blood supply to the heart – triggering a heart attack, or the brain – triggering a stroke.

Question 2

What are the systemic effects of atherosclerosis?

Answer 2

 Stroke, TIAs, amaurosis fugax
 Myocardial infarct, angina
 Intermittent claudication, critical leg ischaemia

Question 3

What are the risk factors for vascular disease?

Answer 3

 Smoking  Hypertension  Diabetes
 Hypercholesterolaemia  Family History
 (Hyperhomocysteinaemia)

Question 4

What’s an ulcer?

Answer 4

 Break in skin /endothelium continuity
 Causes  Arterial
 Neuropathic (Diabetic)  Venous  Traumatic
 Connective tissue disorders