2.7 Pathology of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
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what is atherosclerosis
A: Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty material (like cholesterol), fibrous material, and calcium under the endothelium, forming an atheroma in the artery walls
Q: What are the consequences of atheroma build-up?
A: * Loss of artery elasticity. * Restricted blood flow due to a decreased lumen diameter. * Increased blood pressure.
Q: What cardiovascular diseases can atherosclerosis lead to?
A: Angina, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
Q: How does a blood clot form after atheroma rupture?
A: 1. Damage to the endothelium releases clotting factors. 2. Clotting factors convert prothrombin to thrombin. 3. Thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin threads. 4. Fibrin threads form a mesh, clotting blood and sealing the wound. 5. Scar tissue forms, creating a clot.
Q: What is thrombosis?
A: Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel
Q: What happens if a thrombus breaks loose?
A: It becomes an embolus, which can travel in the bloodstream and block a blood vessel.
Q: What can happen if an embolus blocks a coronary artery or an artery supplying the brain?
A: * Coronary artery blockage: Leads to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). * Brain artery blockage: Causes a stroke.
Q: What is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?
A: PVD is caused by the narrowing of arteries not connected to the heart or brain, often affecting leg arteries.
Q: What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A: DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg. It can lead to a pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks off.
Q: What is cholesterol, and why is it important?
A: Cholesterol is a lipid found in cell membranes, used to synthesize sex hormones. Proper levels are crucial for health
Q: What can high cholesterol levels cause?
A: High cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Q: What are the two types of cholesterol-carrying proteins?
A: * HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins): Transport excess cholesterol to the liver for elimination. * LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins): Transport cholesterol from the liver to the body, depositing it in the arteries.
Q: How does the negative feedback system regulate cholesterol?
A: 1. LDL receptors on cells allow cholesterol uptake. 2. Adequate cholesterol inhibits new LDL receptor synthesis. 3. Excess LDL cholesterol gets deposited in arteries, forming atheromas.
Q: What effect does a higher HDL to LDL ratio have on cholesterol levels?
A: A higher HDL to LDL ratio lowers blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Q: How can HDL levels be increased?
A: A diet low in saturated fats and regular physical activity can raise HDL levels.
Q: What medications help manage cholesterol levels?
A: Statins can reduce blood cholesterol by inhibiting its synthesis in the liver