Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Aetiology of atherosclerosis

Answer 1

Unknown single cause. Multifactorial disease
Hypertension
Cholesterol
Lipids
Smoking
Arise in the same locations as fatty streaks. Eg. Carotid arteries, coronary arteries, aorta, femoral arteries.

Question 2

Pathogenesis theory

Answer 2

Reaction to injury/ inflammation. 
Injury/ inflammation from: 
High bp 
Lipids
Infection
Immune
Cigarette smoke 

Platelets and monocytes attach to injured intima.
Blood lipids enter the intima, inflammation increases in the wall.
Smooth muscle cells proliferate and migrate from the media into the intima.

Question 3

Complications of atheroma

Answer 3

• calcification: blood ca2+ binds to dead tissue.
• rupture/ ulceration/ erosion of lesion: erosion or ulceration leads to rupture of the plaque inside the vessel. Stable plaques have decreased blood flow and lead to Ischaemia. Unstable plaque lead to local obstruction and embolism.
• thrombosis/ obstruction emboli: exposed connective tissue is thrombogenic

Question 4

Peripheral vascular disease

Answer 4

Can arise from atherosclerosis. 
Poor circulation 
Pain on exercise
Poor healing
Increased risk of infection

Question 5

Atherosclerosis

Answer 5

Disease of the intima in large elastic arteries and in large muscular arteries. Begins in the intima, leads to formation of a lesion called an atheroma. Most common cause of CVD.