2.7 CVD

• What is thrombosis?

  Formation of a blood clot
• How does a thrombus form?

  It forms within a blood vessel
• What can damage the endothelium leading to thrombosis?

  Atheroma rupture
• What do clotting factors do after endothelium damage?

  They activate a cascade of reactions
• What is prothrombin converted to during thrombosis?

  Thrombin
• What role does thrombin play in clot formation?

  It converts fibrinogen to fibrin threads
• What is the function of fibrin threads in blood clotting?

  They form a meshwork that clots blood
• What happens when a thrombus breaks loose?

  It forms an embolus
• What can a thrombosis in a coronary artery lead to?

  A myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• What can a thrombosis in an artery in the brain lead to?

  A stroke
• What occurs to cells when a thrombosis happens?

  They are deprived of oxygen
• What is a stroke?

  Blood supply to the brain is cut off
• What happens to brain cells when blood supply is cut off?

  They become damaged or die
• What is angina pectoris?

  Chest pain due to reduced blood flow
• When does angina pectoris typically occur?

  When the heart works harder
• What is atherosclerosis?

  Accumulation of fatty material in arteries
• What is the most commonly affected area in peripheral vascular disease?

  Arteries to the legs
• What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

  A blood clot in a deep vein
• What can happen if a DVT breaks off?

  It can cause a pulmonary embolism
• What is cholesterol?

  A type of lipid in cell membranes
• How is cholesterol synthesized in the body?

  By all cells, mainly in the liver
• What effect does a high-fat diet have on cholesterol levels?

  It increases cholesterol levels in blood
• What are the two main types of lipoproteins?

  HDL and LDL
• What is the role of HDL cholesterol?

  It transports excess cholesterol to the liver
• What is the role of LDL cholesterol?

  It transports cholesterol to body cells
• What happens when a cell has sufficient cholesterol?

  A negative feedback system inhibits LDL receptors
• What is the effect of a higher HDL to LDL ratio?

  Lower blood cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis risk
• How can cholesterol levels be reduced?

  Through physical activity and dietary changes
• What do statins do?

  They inhibit cholesterol synthesis by liver cells
• What are the dangers of atherosclerosis?

  Narrowed arteries restrict blood flow and cause clots
• What are some risk factors for atherosclerosis?

  Smoking, high-fat diet, lack of exercise
• What are the roles of clotting factors in thrombosis?

  • Activate a cascade of reactions
  • Convert prothrombin to thrombin
  • Thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin
  • Fibrin forms a meshwork to clot blood
• What are the effects of a myocardial infarction?

  • Death of part of the heart muscle
  • Blockage in blood supply
  • Can lead to heart failure
• What are the effects of a stroke?

  • Sudden cut off of blood supply to the brain
  • Damage or death of brain cells
  • Can lead to long-term disability
• What is the process of atherosclerosis?

  1. Accumulation of fatty material in arteries
  2. Formation of atheroma or plaque
  3. Narrowing of arteries and reduced elasticity
  4. Increased blood pressure and restricted blood flow
• What are the causes of peripheral vascular disorders?

  • Narrowing of arteries due to atherosclerosis
  • Most commonly affects arteries to the legs
  • Pain in leg muscles due to limited oxygen supply
• What are the effects of high cholesterol levels?

  • Increased risk of atherosclerosis
  • Higher likelihood of cardiovascular diseases
  • Can lead to heart attacks and strokes
• What lifestyle changes can reduce cholesterol levels?

  • Regular physical activity
  • Dietary changes to reduce saturated fats
  • Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats
• What are the health implications of a high LDL to HDL ratio?

  • Increased risk of atherosclerosis
  • Higher chance of cardiovascular diseases
  • Indicates poor cholesterol management