Atherosclerosis

• What is atherosclerosis also known as?

  Hardening of the arteries
• What primarily causes atherosclerosis?

  Damage to the endothelium of an artery
• What is the condition of the endothelium in a healthy artery?

  Smooth and unbroken
• Why is a smooth endothelium important in arteries?

  It reduces friction between blood and artery
• What are the steps involved in atherosclerosis?

  1. Damage to the endothelium lining of an artery
  2. Inflammatory response and accumulation of white blood cells
  3. Formation of fatty streaks and plaque
  4. Narrowing of the artery lumen and increased blood pressure
  5. Positive feedback response leading to further atherosclerosis
• What can cause damage to the endothelium lining of an artery?

  High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• What type of white blood cells accumulate in the damaged area during atherosclerosis?

  Macrophages
• What do lipids and cholesterol form under the endothelium?

  Fatty streaks
• What is formed as a result of fatty streaks?

  An atheroma
• What builds up to form a plaque in atherosclerosis?

  Calcium salts and fibrous tissue
• What effect does plaque have on the artery lumen?

  Narrows the lumen, reducing blood flow
• How does atherosclerosis affect blood pressure?

  It raises blood pressure
• What is the relationship between high blood pressure and atherosclerosis?

  High blood pressure increases atherosclerosis risk
• What does the positive feedback response in atherosclerosis indicate?

  Higher chance of plaque formation due to high blood pressure