BI100 Lecture 19.1

Flashcards on Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, and Coronary Artery Disease

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening of the arteries due to loss of elasticity and calcium buildup.

Cause of Arteriosclerosis

Fatty deposits, largely due to LDL, that form a plaque (atheroma) on the endothelium.

Common Sites for Atheroma Formation

Aorta, coronary artery, and cerebral artery.

Atheroma in the Aorta

Can lead to aortic aneurysms and blockage of the aorta.

Atheroma in the Coronary Artery

Can lead to myocardial infarct (heart attack).

Atheroma in the Cerebral Artery

Can lead to cerebral infarct (stroke).

Infarct

Dead tissue.

Progression of Atherosclerosis

Damage to the endothelium, cholesterol collection, multiplication of white blood cells and smooth muscle cells, platelet accumulation, lipid accumulation, and calcification.

Three Layers of a Normal Artery

Endothelium, smooth muscle, and connective tissue.

Causes of Damage to Artery Endothelium

Bacteria, nicotine, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.

Endothelium

Internal epithelium.

What contributes to Cholesterol collection

High LDL (low-density lipoprotein).

Result of white blood cells and smooth muscle cells dividing

Formation of a fibrous plaque or atheroma.

Thrombus

Blood clot.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow due to blockage of an artery.

Infarct

Death of tissue.

Effect of Atherosclerosis on Arteries

Arteries can no longer expand and contract to accommodate blood volume, making the heart work harder.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain due to coronary artery disease.

Myocardial Infarct (Heart Attack)

Death of heart muscle due to coronary artery disease.

Cause of Angina

Decreased blood flow to the heart, leading to decreased oxygenation.

Symptoms of Angina

Gripping, vice-like pain and pressure, particularly on the left arm, left shoulder, back, and chest.

Usual cause of MI (heart attack)

Complete blockage of the coronary artery.

Effect of dying heart tissue

Altered electrical activity, upsetting the heartbeat.

Fibrillation

Wild twitching of the heart muscle; out of rhythm.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Pressure and squeezing sensation in the chest, sweating, shortness of breath, and general nausea.

Mortality Rate of Heart Attacks

About 67% of victims die within minutes or hours of the attack.

Defibrillator Function

Sends electrical shock to the heart to restore normal beat.

Time Until Death After Heart Stops

About 4-6 minutes.

What happens when heart muscle dies?

It is not replaced and the heart is permanently weakened.