Atherosclerosis

Question 1

pathologic changes that happen to an atherosclerotic plaque

Answer 1

fatty streak formation - accumulation of cholesterol + fatty acids on inner lining of arteries
calcification : calcium may accumulate in plaque, making it harder + less flexible

Question 2

medications used to modify risk factors?

Answer 2

• statins - lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL
• antiplatelet drugs - prevent blood clots
• fibrates - raised HDL cholesterol levels + lower trigylcerides

Question 3

two main types of necrosis + pathological features?

Answer 3

• Coagulative necrosis is characterized by the preservation of the tissue’s overall architecture and cellular shape
• Liquefactive necrosis is characterized by the dissolution of necrotic tissue, leading to the formation of a fluid-filled cavity at the site of injury or infection. The tissue becomes soft and liquefied, and the cellular architecture is lost.

Question 4

how does atherosclerosis occur with people with hypertension?

Answer 4

Atherosclerosis can occur in people with hypertension (high blood pressure) due to the chronic stress and damage that high blood pressure places on the walls of arteries.

Question 5

pathogenesis of hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis?

Answer 5

characterized by thickening of the arteriolar wall due to the concentric proliferation of smooth muscle cells, giving the arterioles an “onion skin” appearance. These changes represent an adaptive response of arterioles to severe hypertension. Arteriolar damage caused by sudden onset of malignant hypertension may cause fibrinoid necrosis.

Question 6

hyperplastic arteriosclerosis

What is its most common cause and which blood vessels are mostly affected?

Answer 6

causes : severe hypertension
blood vessels affected : small arteries + arterioles

Question 7

Ramipril ( what is it? what does it treat? mechanism of action? contraindication? )

Answer 7

• ACE inhibitor used for the management of hypertension, heart failure
• inhibits the RAAS system by binding to and inhibiting ACE thereby preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
• contraindication : hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitor

Question 8

losartan

Answer 8

• angiotensin receptor blocker
• relaxes + widens blood vessels
• lowers blood pressure