1.7.2 Atherosclerosis

• What is atherosclerosis defined as?

  Build-up of plaque in arteries
• Atherosclerosis is the gradual build-up of plaque inside arterial walls, leading to hardened and narrowed arteries
• High cholesterol levels are a common cause of atherosclerosis.
• Stages in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque

  1️⃣ Endothelial damage

  2️⃣ LDL cholesterol infiltration

  3️⃣ Immune cell response

  4️⃣ Plaque build-up

  5️⃣ Plaque rupture
• What type of cholesterol infiltrates the arterial wall after endothelial damage?

  $LDL cholesterol$
• Macrophages engulf oxidized LDL cholesterol, transforming into foam cells
• How does high blood pressure contribute to atherosclerosis?

  Damages arterial walls
• Smoking damages arterial walls and increases cholesterol levels.
• Match the risk factor with its explanation:

  High Cholesterol ↔️ Elevated LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque formation.

  High Blood Pressure ↔️ Damages endothelium, accelerating plaque build-up.

  Smoking ↔️ Damages arterial walls and increases cholesterol levels.

  Diabetes ↔️ Increases atherosclerosis risk by promoting inflammation.
• What is ischaemia caused by in atherosclerosis?

  Reduced blood flow
• Atherosclerosis involves the narrowing and hardening of arteries
• What is the main cause of atherosclerosis?

  Narrowing of arteries
• Ischaemia occurs when arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to organs.
• A heart attack is caused by the blockage of coronary arteries
• What happens to the brain during a stroke caused by atherosclerosis?

  Brain tissue death
• Match the prevention or management strategy with its benefit:

  Lifestyle Modifications ↔️ Reduces risk factors

  Medical Treatments ↔️ Manages blood pressure
• Statins are used to manage cholesterol levels in atherosclerosis, which helps prevent blood clots
• Lifestyle modifications can reduce the need for medical treatments in managing atherosclerosis.
• What are the main goals of atherosclerosis prevention strategies?

  Reduce risk factors