Week 2: Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

The thickening and hardening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup.

Question 2

What are the major consequences of atherosclerosis?

Answer 2

• Chronic Ischemia
• Acute Ischemia
• Thrombosis
• Arterial Hypertension
• Aneurysms

Question 3

What is chronic ischemia?

Answer 3

Reduced blood supply over time, such as leg pain when walking.

Question 4

What is acute ischemia?

Answer 4

Sudden blockage, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Question 5

What is thrombosis?

Answer 5

Blood clot formation.

Question 6

What causes arterial hypertension in atherosclerosis?

Answer 6

Increased blood pressure due to narrowed arteries.

Question 7

What is an aneurysm?

Answer 7

Weakening and bulging of artery walls, which may rupture.

Question 8

What is the first step in the development of atherosclerosis?

Answer 8

Endothelial Cell Injury.

Question 9

What factors can cause endothelial cell injury?

Answer 9

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High LDL cholesterol

Question 10

What happens during local inflammation in atherosclerosis?

Answer 10

White blood cells (macrophages) rush to the damaged site, causing inflammation.

Question 11

What occurs during LDL absorption and oxidation?

Answer 11

Bad cholesterol (LDL) enters the artery walls and gets oxidized, making it harmful.

Question 12

What are foam cells?

Answer 12

Macrophages that engulf oxidized LDL but turn into foam cells, which accumulate and form fatty plaques.

Question 13

What is the role of smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherosclerosis?

Answer 13

Muscle cells grow over plaques, making them thicker and harder.

Question 14

What is fibrosis and scarring in the context of atherosclerosis?

Answer 14

The plaque hardens, further narrowing the artery and increasing the risk of rupture and clot formation.

Question 15

What are non-modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Answer 15

• Aging
• Male Sex
• Genetics
• Ethnicity

Question 16

What are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Answer 16

• Dyslipidemia
• Chronic Arterial Hypertension
• Cigarette Smoking
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Obesity
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Chronic Alcohol Intake
• Chronic Stress

Question 17

What is dyslipidemia?

Answer 17

High LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels.

Question 18

What is the effect of high LDL on atherosclerosis?

Answer 18

Contributes to plaque buildup.

Question 19

What is the effect of HDL on atherosclerosis?

Answer 19

Helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

Question 20

What are the symptoms of severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

Answer 20

Cyanotic (blue) and cool left leg, weak pulses, and possible muscle damage.

Question 21

What is the significance of a 75 pack-year smoking history?

Answer 21

Major risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Question 22

What does a blood glucose level of 225 mg/dL indicate?

Answer 22

Diabetes, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Question 23

What does a triglycerides level of 315 mg/dL indicate?

Answer 23

High levels increase atherosclerosis risk.

Question 24

What does a cholesterol level of 353 mg/dL indicate?

Answer 24

Severely elevated levels promote plaque buildup.

Question 25

What is the diagnosis for the patient with severe PAD?

Answer 25

Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) due to atherosclerosis of the leg arteries.

Question 26

What potential complications can arise from atherosclerosis?

Answer 26

• Tissue Death (Necrosis)
• Thrombosis & Embolism
• Heart Attack or Stroke

Question 27

True or False: Atherosclerosis can lead to gangrene and amputation if blood flow isn’t restored.

Answer 27

True.