Cardiovascular Disease: Atherosclerosis and Related Conditions
Atherosclerosis (Atheroma Formation)
Definition: Atherosclerosis refers to the accumulation and swelling of cells, primarily between the endothelium lining and the smooth muscle wall of the arterial tube.
- Location: This swelling occurs in the central region of the artery.
- Composition: Composed of cells (mostly macrophage cells), cell debris, and lipids, which include cholesterol and fatty acids.
Angina Pectoralis
Definition: Severe pain experienced during exertion due to a shortage of blood reaching the heart muscle.
- Characteristics: This condition does not involve muscle death, but rather, it indicates that there is a blockage leading to gradual heart muscle damage.
- Progression: As the blockage persists, the heart progressively weakens over time.
Aneurysm
Definition: Aneurysm is characterized by a balloon-like swelling of the artery.
- Cause: The presence of atheroma plaques damages and weakens the structure of arteries.
- Mechanism: High blood pressure pushes the inner layers of the artery through the outer elastic layer, resulting in an aneurysm.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Definition: A sudden or severe heart pain caused by blockage of coronary arteries.
- Physiological Impact: Results in part of the heart muscle being starved of oxygen, leading to tissue death.
Cardiac Arrest
Definition: Occurs when the heart stops beating due to a lack of electrical impulses.
Cholesterol Transport
Mechanism: Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream via lipoproteins.
- Types of Lipoproteins:
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as