OP4003:CV Disease

Question 1

What is arteriosclerosis?

Answer 1

Thickening/hardening of arterial walls (tunica intima/media), reducing lumen size and flexibility. Associated with aging.

Question 2

How does atherosclerosis differ from arteriosclerosis?

Answer 2

Atherosclerosis is a subtype involving lipid plaques (atheromas) in large/medium arteries, while arteriosclerosis is a broader term for arterial wall thickening.

Question 3

List 3 risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Answer 3

Age, smoking, poor diet, hypertension, male gender, ethnicity, diabetes (any 3).

Question 4

Describe the stages of atherosclerosis pathogenesis.

Answer 4

1. Endothelial damage → 2. Fatty streaks → 3. Inflammation → 4. Plaque formation → 5. Rupture → Thrombosis/embolism.

Question 5

What are the ocular signs of hypertensive retinopathy (Grade 3)?

Answer 5

Focal arteriolar narrowing, AV nipping, hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, exudates.

Question 6

Why is a transient ischemic attack (TIA) significant?

Answer 6

Sudden vision loss from retinal artery blockage; high stroke risk → requires urgent referral.

Question 7

What makes an atherosclerotic plaque ‘unstable’?

Answer 7

Thin fibrous cap, lipid-rich core, calcium deposits → prone to rupture.