Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Atherosclerosis Risk factors?

Answer 1

smoking, 
HTN, 
diabetes, hypercholesterolemia (increased LDL), 
positive
family history, 
age, 
male gender, postmenopausal status in women, 
hyperuricemia, 
oral contraceptive use

Question 2

Atherosclerosis pathogenesis?

Answer 2

Progresses from:

1. fatty streaks (lipid-laden foam cell accumulations in intima) to
2. proliferative plaques to
3. complex atheromas

Question 3

What is an Atheroma?

Answer 3

Central core of cholesterol and foam cells (lipid-laden macrophages) covered by fibrous cap

Question 4

Atheromas may be complicated by?

Answer 4

overlying thrombus formation,

ulceration, erosion, fissure, rupture

calcification of plaque

Question 5

Atherosclerosis clinical signs?

Answer 5

Often asymptomatic; can present with angina or claudication

Question 6

Atherosclerosis Complications?

Answer 6

aneurysms, MI, stroke, bowel ischemia, renal artery ischemia, peripheral
vascular occlusive disease, and atheroemboli

Question 7

Atherosclerosis Treatment?

Answer 7

Lipid-lowering agents (eg, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)

Question 8

What are xanthomas?

Answer 8

yellow plaques or nodules of the skin

Question 9

xanthomas composed of?

Answer 9

composed of lipid-laden

macrophages

Question 10

xanthomas associated with?

Answer 10

hypercholesterolemia