Understanding Atherosclerosis and Its Clinical Impact

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