What is atherosclerosis
The buildup and hardening of cholesterol in the blood vessels
What are the potential consequences of atherosclerosis
What is the best known factor for coronary heart disease
Age
How does tobacco smoking affect atherosclerosis formation
Nicotine damages the endothelial layer
How does diabetes affect atherosclerosis formation
How does hypertension affect atherosclerosis formation
Repeated damage to the endothelium through high blood flow/ shear forces
T/F
Family history is a risk factor for atherosclerosis
T
Plays a role but is not fully understood
Where does atherosclerosis typically occur AND
Describe the distribution of atherosclerotic plaques
What factors determine the distribution of atherosclerotic plaques
haemodynamic factors
- Changes in flow or turbulence (eg at bifurcations) cause the artery to alter endothelial cell function.
- Wall thickness is also changed leading to neointima - a new intima layer
T/F
The blood vessels have an epithelial layer
FALSE
Blood vessels have an ENDOthelial layer
What components make up an atheroscleortic plaque
What are 2 possible outcomes of an atherosclerotic plaques
How does injury to endothelial cells cause atherosclerosis
Role of LDL in atherosclerosis
It can pass in and out of the arterial walls in excess. Within the wall it undergoes oxidation and glycation
Summarise leukocyte recruitment to a vessel wall
Summarise the key points of atherosclerosis progression
T/F
Diet is the most influential factor on a persons cholesterol level
FALSE
Genetic is, thus starting cholesterol lowering drugs is key
Main differences between plaque rupture and plaque erosion
What is plaque erosion
When a thickened fibrous cap has exposed collagen ➡️ thrombosis being triggered ➡️ platelet rich clot forming [white thrombus]
(usually tissue factor exposure tiggers clot formation)
Define ACS
Symptoms of unstable angina
How is unstable angina diagnosed
2 main types of acute MI
What is a Q-wave MI
An MI where new Q-waves develop on the ECG