Week 2: Atherosclerosis Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis?
The thickening and hardening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup.
What are the major consequences of atherosclerosis?
- Chronic Ischemia
- Acute Ischemia
- Thrombosis
- Arterial Hypertension
- Aneurysms
What is chronic ischemia?
Reduced blood supply over time, such as leg pain when walking.
What is acute ischemia?
Sudden blockage, such as a heart attack or stroke.
What is thrombosis?
Blood clot formation.
What causes arterial hypertension in atherosclerosis?
Increased blood pressure due to narrowed arteries.
What is an aneurysm?
Weakening and bulging of artery walls, which may rupture.
What is the first step in the development of atherosclerosis?
Endothelial Cell Injury.
What factors can cause endothelial cell injury?
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High LDL cholesterol
What happens during local inflammation in atherosclerosis?
White blood cells (macrophages) rush to the damaged site, causing inflammation.
What occurs during LDL absorption and oxidation?
Bad cholesterol (LDL) enters the artery walls and gets oxidized, making it harmful.
What are foam cells?
Macrophages that engulf oxidized LDL but turn into foam cells, which accumulate and form fatty plaques.
What is the role of smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherosclerosis?
Muscle cells grow over plaques, making them thicker and harder.
What is fibrosis and scarring in the context of atherosclerosis?
The plaque hardens, further narrowing the artery and increasing the risk of rupture and clot formation.
What are non-modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis?
- Aging
- Male Sex
- Genetics
- Ethnicity
What are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis?
- Dyslipidemia
- Chronic Arterial Hypertension
- Cigarette Smoking
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Obesity
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Chronic Alcohol Intake
- Chronic Stress
What is dyslipidemia?
High LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels.
What is the effect of high LDL on atherosclerosis?
Contributes to plaque buildup.
What is the effect of HDL on atherosclerosis?
Helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.
What are the symptoms of severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
Cyanotic (blue) and cool left leg, weak pulses, and possible muscle damage.
What is the significance of a 75 pack-year smoking history?
Major risk factor for atherosclerosis.
What does a blood glucose level of 225 mg/dL indicate?
Diabetes, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
What does a triglycerides level of 315 mg/dL indicate?
High levels increase atherosclerosis risk.
What does a cholesterol level of 353 mg/dL indicate?
Severely elevated levels promote plaque buildup.
