Flashcards: Understanding Atherosclerosis Formation and Risks — 27 cards

Endothelial dysfunction — role?

Initiates atherosclerosis by increasing permeability.

Atherosclerosis — definition?

Fatty plaque formation in arteries.

LDL oxidation — location?

Occurs beneath the endothelium.

LDL cholesterol — role?

Main lipid in plaque deposits.

Foam cells — formation?

Macrophages ingest oxidized LDL.

Plaque rupture — consequence?

Thrombosis and vessel occlusion.

Fatty streaks — composition?

Clusters of foam cells in the vessel wall.

Stable vs unstable plaque — difference?

Collagen-rich vs lipid-rich.

VSMC migration — function?

Contributes to fibrous cap formation.

Critical stenosis — percentage?

Greater than 70-75% narrowing.

Collagen production — cell type?

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).

Foam cells — origin?

Macrophages with oxidized LDL.

Fibrous cap — stability?

Collagen-rich, stabilizes the plaque.

Necrotic core — composition?

Dead foam cells and cholesterol crystals.

Plaque rupture — consequence?

Thrombosis, arterial occlusion.

Unstable plaque — feature?

Lipid-rich, thin fibrous cap.

Stable plaque — feature?

Collagen-rich, thick fibrous cap.

Critical stenosis — percentage?

Greater than 70-75% narrowing.

Ischemic symptoms — cause?

Severe stenosis or plaque rupture.

Coronary arteries — clinical manifestation?

Angina, myocardial infarction.

Cerebral arteries — clinical event?

Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Peripheral arteries — clinical symptom?

Claudication, gangrene.

Plaque stability — determined by?

Composition: collagen vs lipids.

Plaque development timeline?

Starts in youth, symptomatic age >35.

Atherogenesis process?

Endothelial dysfunction, LDL oxidation, foam cell formation, fibrous cap development.

Major risk factors?

High LDL, hypertension, smoking, diabetes.

Plaque complication?

Fissuring or rupture leads to thrombosis.