Week 3: Aneurysm, Arterio & Atherosclerosis Flashcards
what are cerebral aneurysms
they are localized weakness in the wall of an artery (pouching like a balloon)
they’re initially small and asymptomatic
where do cerebral anuerysms occur
points of bifurcation (in circle of willis)
what are cerebral aneurysms aggravated by
hypertension
what are the signs of an enlarging aneurysm
pressure on surrounding structures/nerves
loss of visual field/visual disturbance
headache
what are the signs of a small aneurysm leakage
headache
photophobia
intermittent periods of dysfunction
nuchal rigidity or neck stiffness
what are signs of a massive aneurysm rupture or subarachnoid hemorrhage?
immediate severe blinding headache
vomiting
photophobia
seizure
loss of consciousness
death
what is the main focus when treating an aneurysm
reducing increased ICP and cerebral vasospasm
what does sclerosis mean
hardening
what is arteriosclerosis
general term for all types of arterial changes
- degenerative changes in small arteries and arterioles
- loss of elasticity, walls thick and hard
- lumen gradually narrows and become obstructed
- leads to ischemia and necrosis in tissues in kidney
- cause of increased BP
what is artherosclerosis
occurs in large arteries
- presence of atheroma (plaques consisting of lipids, calcium, and possible clots)
- related to diet, stress, exercise
- begins with blockage of lipids in blood
lipids
- essential elements in the body
- synthesized in the liver and transported in combination with proteins
(LDL) low density lipoprotein
bad cholesterol
- essential elements in the body
- synthesized in the liver and transported in combination with proteins
(HDL) high density lipoprotein
good cholesterol
- carries cholesterol from peripheral tissue to the liver
- low = increased risk of CHD
- high = decreased risk for CHD
- protein > cholesterol
- catabolism in liver and excretion
what are triglycerides
- high = link to low levels of HDL
- excess body weight and poorly controlled diabetes
total cholesterol and HDL ratio
- shows how high the HDL is relative to the overall cholesterol levels
- lower = decreased risk of heart disease
what is hypercholesterolemia affected by
excess caloric intake
saturatede fats
cholesterol
what is primary hypercholesterolemia
familial hypercholesterolemia
what is secondary hypercholesterolemia
caused by obesity and diabetes mellitus
nonmodifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis
age
gender
genetic or familial factor
nonmodifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis
age
gender
genetic or familial factors
modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Poorly controlled hypertension
- Combination of oral contraceptives and smoking
what does the vascular endothelial layer serve as?
a barrier that protects the subendothelial layers from interacting with blood cells/components
diagnostic tests for atherosclerosis
- serum lipid levels
- exercise stress testing
- nuclear medicine studies
atherosclerosis treatment
- weight loss
- increase exercise
- dietary modification
- reduction of sodium intake
- control hypertension
- control of primary disorder
- cessation of smoking
- antilipidemic drugs
- surgical intervention
