aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and PAD

aneurysm

abnormal localized dilation of a blood vessel caused by atherosclerosis, HTN, traumatic injury.

berry

type of aneurysm that is a small dilation, usually at bifurcations

fusiform

type of aneurysm that is a dilation of a vessel circumference

succular

type of aneurysm that is partial circumference/sac-shaped

dissecting

type of aneurysm that is a localized tear in the vessel, creating a blood-filled cavity

thoracic aortic aneurysm

mainly caused by atherosclerosis; usually asymptomatic until increased size puts pressure on local structures. Symptoms manifest depending on the structures being pushed out.

abdominal aortic aneurysm

most frequent aneurysm; occurs in people over 50yrs with a hx of HTN, atherosclerosis, and smoking; first sign is pulsating mass

aortic dissection

hemorrhage into vessel wall w/ longitudinal tearing. Life-threatening.

hyperlipidemia

elevated LDL; strong indicator of coronary risk with a role in endothelial injurt, inflamamtion, and immune responses.

HDL

responsible for reverse cholesterol transport, participates in endothelial repair and decreases thrombosis.

atherosclerosis

plaque formation in the arteries causing PAD, CAD, and stroke

atherosclerotic plaque formation

platelets/monocytes come to site of endothelial cell injury and adhere to endothelium; macrophages attempt to remove LDL from bloodstream and release granules with oxygen free radicals; oxygen free radials oxidise LDL and digest it; macrophages take up LDL forming foam cell; macrophages and platelets release growth factors—> plaque

fibrous plaques

gray or white, elevating thickening, size increases and occludes vessels

unstable plaque

plaques that develop and necrotic core; occurs from foam cells breaking down and releasing lipids

complicated lesion

ruptured plaque; platelets come to the scene to repair and form a thrombus

complications of atherosclerosis

ischemia, thrombus and emboli, aneurysm, MI

peripheral artery disease

intermittent claudication, atrophic changes of the skin, cool extremities, dependent rubor, ischemic pain, loss of pulse