Endothelial dysfunction — role?
Initiates atherogenesis by increasing permeability and adhesion.
LDL oxidation — process?
LDL becomes oxidized in sub-endothelial space.
Monocyte recruitment — mechanism?
Attracted by endothelial adhesion molecules.
Foam cells — origin?
Derived from macrophages ingesting oxidized LDL.
Fatty streak — hallmark?
Early atherosclerotic lesion consisting of foam cells.
VSMC migration — effect?
Contributes to fibrous plaque formation by collagen production.
Fibrous plaque — structure?
Core of lipids and foam cells, covered by collagen cap.
Lipid core — contents?
Lipids, foam cells, necrotic debris.
Fibrous cap — function?
Protects core; stability depends on collagen content.
Cap rupture — consequence?
Thrombus formation and potential vessel occlusion.
Thrombus — outcome?
Partial or complete vessel blockage.
Critical stenosis — percentage?
Typically >70-75%, leading to symptoms.
Symptoms — common manifestation?
Ischemic symptoms like angina, stroke, or claudication.
LDL threshold — >200 mg/dl?
High risk of atherosclerosis.
Blood pressure — hypertension?
Systolic ≥140 mmHg, diastolic ≥90 mmHg.
Plaque stability — collagen content?
Stable: high collagen; unstable: lipid-rich.
Stages — development sequence?
Initiation, fatty streak, fibrous plaque, complicated plaque.
Affected arteries?
Coronary, carotid, lower limb arteries.
Early lesion — in ages?
10-20 years old.
Symptomatic threshold?
>70-75% stenosis.
Acute event — cause?
Plaque rupture with thrombus formation.
Chronic ischemia — sign?
Stable angina, limb claudication.
Unstable plaque — feature?
Lipid-rich, thin fibrous cap, high rupture risk.
Foam cell role?
Main cell type in early lesion.
Extracellular debris — composition?
Necrotic lipids and cell remnants.
VSMC migration — effect on stability?
Enhances stability via collagen production.
Clinical arteries affected?
Coronary, carotid, limb arteries.
Atherosclerosis — definition?
Lipid deposits in medium-large arteries
Risk factors — examples?
Hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, age
Initiate with?
Endothelial dysfunction
LDL — role?
Infiltrates and oxidizes in the arterial wall
Foam cells — origin?
Monocytes that migrate and transform
Plaque components — include?
Lipid core, fibrous cap, cellular elements
Plaque stability depends on?
Collagen content and lipid richness
Answer 21 questions on Understanding Atherosclerosis Development.
1. Which of the following is a primary risk factor that contributes to endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis?
2. How does LDL oxidation contribute to sub-endothelial infiltration in atherosclerosis?
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