blood vessel problems

what causes ‘stiffening’ of aorta

• age related condition

• exacerbated by hypertension

• loss of elastin and replacement of elastin with collagen

true or false: stiffening of aorta leads to increased cardiac workload

true

what happens when the endothelial lining of blood vessels become damaged (hint: causes atherosclerosis)

fat and cholesterol build up forming plaques that can narrow and block vessels

how is there reduced blood flow in the coronary arteries during atherosclerosis

plaques can grow and narrow the blood vessels in coronary arteries 

what can atherosclerosis cause

angina pectoris or even a heart attack

risk factors of atherosclerosis (ie. build up of plaque in arteries)

• smoking

• diabetes

• obesity

• high blood cholesterol

• fatty diet

• family history of heart disease

what initiates plaque formation in blood vessels

endothelial damage often caused by hypertension

what substances stick to (adhere) the damaged inner lining of blood vessels during a plaque formation

• platelets

• macrophages

• LDL

what do macrophages release that damages LDL

free radicals which cause peroxidisation of LDL

what happens to LDL after its peroxidised

it is ingested by macrophages forming foam cells

what substances do macrophages release that promote plaque growth

inflammatory cytokines and growth factors

what is the effect of cytokines and growth factors

they cause proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, thickening vessel wall

what can form on surface of plaque

thrombi (blood clots)

how can thrombus formation affect blood flow

narrows or completely blocks blood vessel, reducing or stopping blood flow

what is an aneurysm

bulge or weakness in arterial wall caused by disease, injury or abnormality present at birth

true or false: aneurysms look like a bubble in wall of inner tube of artery which can puncture/blow out

true

where does aortic aneurysms occur

occurs in the abdominal portion below the renal arteries

true or false: aortic aneurysms are not that dangerous. how can they be repaired

false- very dangerous

repaired surgically

what happens to the patient if aneurysm ruptures

massive blood loss

very fatal

what are varicose veins

swollen, twisted and enlarged veins

what causes varicose veins

faulty valves that allow blood to flow backwards and pool in the vein

• this pooling causes veins to stretch and enlarge so they become visible under the skin

where are varicose veins usually seen

in arms and legs where blood flow opposes gravity

true or false: varicose veins mostly affects men between the ages of 30-60

false - mostly affects women

what causes varicose veins to worsen

• lack of exercise

• long hours of standing or sitting

• age (walls of veins become less resilient and swelling of valves occur so they become less effective)