2&3. CVD and Risk

Question 1

Describe the formation of an atheroma

Answer 1

Artery wall becomes damaged
White blood cells move into the wall causing an inflammatory response
Cholesterol begins to build up along with calcium salts and fibrous tissue which form a plaque.
An atheroma forms

Question 2

State 2 consequences of an atheroma.

Answer 2

Loss of elasticity in the artery.
Narrowed blood vessel.
Blood clot (thrombosis)

Question 3

How does blood clot?

Answer 3

Platelets change from flat disks to spheres with long projections.
The platelets stick to each other and the exposed collagen.
When blood comes into contact with collagen fibres a cascade of chemical reactions is triggered.
Soluble prothrombin—> the enzyme thrombin
Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen—> fibrin

This forms a mesh trapping red blood cells forming a clot.

Question 4

What is a platelet?

Answer 4

A cell fragment that releases thromboplastin

Question 5

What is thrombin?

Answer 5

An enzyme that changes fibrinogen to fibrin

Question 6

What is fibrinogen?

Answer 6

A soluble plasma protein

Question 7

What are the risks of a blood clot in an artery?

Answer 7

Blocks the vessel so less blood can reach cellls. Therefore less oxygen will also reach the cells so less respiration can take place.

Question 8

Define risk.

Answer 8

The probability of occurance of some unwanted event or outcome

Question 9

What is a cohort study?

Answer 9

A group of people is followed over time to see who gets the disease and who doesnt

Question 10

What is a case-control study?

Answer 10

A group of people who have the disease are compared with a group of people who do not

Question 11

How can a study be made more reliable?

Answer 11

Controlling variables (relating to the study) 
Ensuring the data collection method is suitable

Question 12

(Risk Factors) Why does the risk of CVD increase with age?

Answer 12

As you get older your arteries become less elastic and more susceptible to damage.

Question 13

(Risk Factors) Why are women at a lower risk of CVD than men?

Answer 13

Reproductive hormones can help lower cholesterol.

Question 14

(Risk Factors) What would a high blood pressure be measured as?

Answer 14

above 140 systolic pressure

above 90 dystolic pressure

Question 15

(Risk Factors) Define blood pressure

Answer 15

measure of hydrostatic force of blood against the walls of a blood vessel

Question 16

(Risk Factors) What is an oedema?

Answer 16

A consequence of high blood pressure
High blood pressure causes tissue fluid (plasma) to be forced out of the capillary walls into surrounding tissue.
This can result in a swelling