Understanding Atherosclerosis and Its Clinical Impact

From the study guide

Unit 13: Atherosclerosis – Exam Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic arterial disease characterized by lipid-rich plaques in medium/large arteries.
  • The primary lipid involved is LDL cholesterol, which infiltrates and oxidizes in the wall.
  • It initiates with endothelial dysfunction from risk factors like hypertension, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia.
  • Fatty streaks are early, asymptomatic lesions consisting of foam cells and lipid accumulation.
  • Fibrous plaques feature smooth muscle proliferation, collagen, and a lipid core, with potential for stability or rupture.
  • Plaque rupture exposes thrombogenic material, leading to thrombus formation and possible vessel occlusion.
  • Clinical signs appear when arterial lumen decreases by >70-75%, causing ischemia.
  • Major affected arteries include coronary, carotid, iliac, and femoral arteries.
  • Risk factors include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and inactivity.
  • Advanced plaques can cause chronic ischemia or acute events like myocardial infarction or stroke.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

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Practice quiz preview

1. Which of the following is a key risk factor that contributes to endothelial dysfunction in the development of atherosclerosis?

2. How does LDL oxidation contribute to monocyte attraction in the development of atherosclerosis?

3. What is the primary cellular process involved in the formation of foam cells during atherosclerosis?

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Flashcard preview

Endothelial dysfunction — role?

Initiates atherosclerosis by increasing permeability and adhesion.

LDL oxidation — consequence?

Promotes monocyte attraction and foam cell formation.

Foam cells — origin?

Macrophages ingest oxidized LDL.

Fatty streaks — first lesion?

Early accumulation of foam cells in arterial wall.

Fibrous plaque — composition?

Smooth muscle, collagen, lipid core.

Plaque stability — high collagen content?

Leads to stable, less rupture-prone plaque.

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The practice quiz has 21 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation. Use it to check what you know and find your gaps.

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