Week 3: Aneurysm, Arterio & Atherosclerosis

Question 1

what are cerebral aneurysms

Answer 1

they are localized weakness in the wall of an artery (pouching like a balloon)

they’re initially small and asymptomatic

Question 2

where do cerebral anuerysms occur

Answer 2

points of bifurcation (in circle of willis)

Question 3

what are cerebral aneurysms aggravated by

Answer 3

hypertension

Question 4

what are the signs of an enlarging aneurysm

Answer 4

pressure on surrounding structures/nerves

loss of visual field/visual disturbance

headache

Question 5

what are the signs of a small aneurysm leakage

Answer 5

headache
photophobia
intermittent periods of dysfunction
nuchal rigidity or neck stiffness

Question 6

what are signs of a massive aneurysm rupture or subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Answer 6

immediate severe blinding headache
vomiting
photophobia
seizure
loss of consciousness
death

Question 7

what is the main focus when treating an aneurysm

Answer 7

reducing increased ICP and cerebral vasospasm

Question 8

what does sclerosis mean

Answer 8

hardening

Question 9

what is arteriosclerosis

Answer 9

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

Question 10

what is artherosclerosis

Answer 10

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

Question 11

lipids

Answer 11

• essential elements in the body
• synthesized in the liver and transported in combination with proteins

Question 12

(LDL) low density lipoprotein

Answer 12

bad cholesterol

• essential elements in the body
• synthesized in the liver and transported in combination with proteins

Question 13

(HDL) high density lipoprotein

Answer 13

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

Question 14

what are triglycerides

Answer 14

• high = link to low levels of HDL
• excess body weight and poorly controlled diabetes

Question 15

total cholesterol and HDL ratio

Answer 15

• shows how high the HDL is relative to the overall cholesterol levels
• lower = decreased risk of heart disease

Question 16

what is hypercholesterolemia affected by

Answer 16

excess caloric intake
saturatede fats
cholesterol

Question 17

what is primary hypercholesterolemia

Answer 17

familial hypercholesterolemia

Question 18

what is secondary hypercholesterolemia

Answer 18

caused by obesity and diabetes mellitus

Question 19

nonmodifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis

Answer 19

age
gender
genetic or familial factor

Question 20

nonmodifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis

Answer 20

age
gender
genetic or familial factors

Question 21

modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis

Answer 21

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes mellitus
• Poorly controlled hypertension
• Combination of oral contraceptives and smoking

Question 22

what does the vascular endothelial layer serve as?

Answer 22

a barrier that protects the subendothelial layers from interacting with blood cells/components

Question 23

diagnostic tests for atherosclerosis

Answer 23

• serum lipid levels
• exercise stress testing
• nuclear medicine studies

Question 24

atherosclerosis treatment

Answer 24

• weight loss
• increase exercise
• dietary modification
• reduction of sodium intake
• control hypertension
• control of primary disorder
• cessation of smoking
• antilipidemic drugs
• surgical intervention