Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of the arteries. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.

Question 2

What is a plaque made out of?

Answer 2

Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin

Question 3

What are the risk factors for developing atherosclerosis

Answer 3

Risk factors for atherosclerosis, include:

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Type 1 diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• High saturated fat diet

Question 4

What are the complications of atherosclerosis?

Answer 4

Coronary heart disease
Angina
MI
Stroke
TIA
Peripheral artery disease

Question 5

How would you manage atherosclerosis?

Answer 5

There are currently no treatments that can reverse atherosclerosis, but lifestyle changes and medications can relieve symptoms and prevent further damage:

1. Statins
2. ACE inhibitors
3. ARBs
4. Low does asparin