Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is atherosclerosis

Answer 1

Plaque of lipids, smooth muscle, foam cells and macrophages forming in the intima and media of high pressure vessels

Question 2

What is found in a plaque

Answer 2

Lipids
Smooth muscle
Foam cells
Macrophages
Platelets

Question 3

What are foam cells

Answer 3

Macrophages that phagocytose LDL

Question 4

Where do atherosclerotic plaques form

Answer 4

Intima and media of arteries

Question 5

What are the 6 steps of plaque formation

Answer 5

Endothelial damage
Fatty streak (Plaque precursor)
Lipid accumulation (More LDL so foam cells recruited)
Platelet aggregation (Plaque protrudes artery = laminar flow disruption = platelet accumulation (Media thinning)
Fibrin mesh/RBC trapping (Platelet plug = fibrin mesh w/ trapped RBC)
Fibrous cap (Fibroblasts cover the platelet plug)

Question 6

Which stage of plaque formation is the start of media thinning

Answer 6

Platelet aggregation

Question 7

What cells make up the fibrous cap

Answer 7

Fibroblasts cover the platelet plug

Question 8

What produces the fibrin mesh of a plaque

Answer 8

Platelet plug w/ trapped RBC

Question 9

How does plaque formation result in Angina

Answer 9

Fibrous cap damage
Continued platelet aggregation
Further thinning of lumen

Question 10

What are the RF for atherosclerosis

Answer 10

DM
HTN
Obesity
Male 
Age