12.2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- What is the role of pharmacological interventions in atherosclerosis?
They slow disease progression by lowering circulating atherogenic lipids and controlling blood pressure to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
- Which drug classes are used for direct lipid lowering in atherosclerosis management?
Statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, and PCSK9 inhibitors—all aimed at reducing LDL cholesterol or triglycerides.
- How do statins work to manage atherosclerosis?
They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reducing liver cholesterol synthesis and upregulating LDL receptors to enhance LDL clearance.
- How do PCSK9 inhibitors contribute to treatment?
They block the PCSK9 enzyme, preventing LDL receptor degradation and increasing LDL clearance from the blood.
- What is the role of antihypertensive agents in atherosclerosis management?
They help preserve endothelial function by reducing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, thereby minimizing mechanical stress on arterial walls.
- What type of surgical device intervention is used to manage advanced coronary atherosclerosis?
Bypass grafting, such as saphenous vein or left internal mammary artery bypass, which reroutes blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.
- What are endovascular interventions in the treatment of atherosclerosis?
Minimally invasive procedures (e.g., percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting) that mechanically widen or clear blocked arteries to restore blood flow.
- What are some advantages of endovascular procedures over traditional surgical bypass?
They typically require only local anesthesia, offer shorter recovery times, and are suited for patients with focal or simple lesions.
- When are device interventions indicated in atherosclerosis management?
They are used at later stages of disease when plaque buildup has caused significant narrowing or occlusion, leading to ischemia.
- How do pharmacological and device interventions complement each other in managing atherosclerosis?
Pharmacological treatments stabilize plaques and slow progression, while device interventions restore blood flow in occluded arteries to prevent events like heart attacks and strokes.
