Cardiovascular Disease(topic 1) Flashcards
Describe how a atheroma is formed
Endothelium is damaged
Inflammatory response where white blood cells will move into the area
White blood cells clump together along with lipids from the blood under the endothelium and form fatty streaks
Over time more and more white blood cells clump together forming a hard plaque called a atheroma
This restricts blood flow which causes blood pressure to increase
It is harder for blood to travel through which means a blood clot could get stuck causing a stroke or heart attack
How is a blood clot formed
Thromboplastin is released from a damaged blood vessel
Thromboplastin and calcium ions trigger conversion of prothrombin into thrombin
Thrombin then catalyses the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
The fibrin fibres form a mesh in which platelets and red blood cells get trapped forming a blood clot
How does a heart attack occur
Coronary artery blocked due to blood clots and atheromas
How does a stroke occur
Blood clot in a artery leading to the brain blocking oxygen to the brain
What is deep vein thrombosis
Formation of a blood clot in a vein deep inside a body can be caused by prolonged inactivity
3 lifestyle factors that can increase ur chance of developing CVD
High fat diet causes increase blood cholesterol levels which increases atheroma formation which lead to blood clots and therefore heart attacks strokes exc
High blood pressure caused by alcohol consumption diet and stress makes ur artery walls more damaged and lack of exercise
Smoking reduces amount of oxygen transported in your blood nicotine in cigarettes makes platelets more sticky increasing risk of blood clots.also reduces amount of antioxidants which protect cells from damage
3 factors that can lead to CVD beyond your control
Genetics some people develop particular alleles which give them a higher blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Age due to plaque developing over a long time
Gender men are 3 times more likely to develop CVD because of hormonal differences
Why do some people overestimate the risk of developing CVD
May know someone who smoked and died of CVD and therefore think that’s if u smoke u will die of CVD but it is not guaranteed and only from prolonged use
Why do some people underestimate the risk of developing CVD
Lack of understanding may be in more danger than they know
What are drugs that can be used to treat CVD
Antihypertensives reduce blood pressure
Statins reduce cholesterol in the blood
Anticoagulants reduce formation of blood clot
Platelet inhibitory drugs prevent risk of blood clots
What is atherosclerosis
Build up or plaque in your bloodstream
