Atherosclerosis Flashcards
Pathologies (13 cards)
What is the meaning of sub- clinical state?
Where a person doesnt know hey have a disease.
What is the meaning of atherosclerosis?
Athero= paced
Sclerosis= hardening
There are fibre fatty lesions with a fibrous cap that invade the lumen.
What is EDRF?
This is secreted by the endothelium to dilate/ constrict.
What is the endothelium?
This is the inner part of a vessel (forms barrier between blood and other vessels- very vaso active).
What is the process of atherosclerosis developing?
-Endothelial cell injury (lipoproteins are in the endothelium)
-Migration of inflammatory cells (lipoproteins are oxidised when come into contact with NO- seen as foreign and therefore triggers the immune system). The macrophages come in and stick to the lipoproteins- turn them into foam cells that are too big to leave so are trapped into the endothelium
-Smooth muscle proliferation (release of cytokins- more smooth muscle than needed but is more rigid (fibrous cap) that reduce the size of the lumen. Formed a protective cap that keeps the foam cells at the site of injury.
What is the cause of atherosclerosis?
Smoking, stress, hypertension, high circulating levels of low density lipoproteins (ones the body deposits around).
What is the danger if the plaque in the vessel ruptures?
Platelets will come along that are very sticky (try to plug the gap but there is the danger that the vessel will close completely).
What is the danger if the fibrous cap breaks off?
Embolises and floats around the body that could cause a stroke.
Where is atherosclerosis most common?
In medium to large sized arteries (coronary).
In tortuous vessels (kinked, twisted), in bifurcations, in diabetic (tortuous from femoral to abdomen).
Why can atherosclerosis occur in aneurysms?
The vessel wall is weakened.
What does the narrowing of a vessel cause in regards to pressure?
Drop in pressure.
Which vessels are at most risk for ischaemia?
The most distal from the supply vessel (furthest away).
What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?
-smoking
-obesity
-age
-gender
-alcohol
-lifestyle
-hypertension
-family history
