Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis

• Atherosclerosis formation

  Endothelium lining the arteries is damaged, leading to an inflammatory response causing white blood cells to move into the artery. Over time, white blood cells, cholesterol, calcium salts, and fibers build up and harden, leading to plaque (atheroma) formation. The build-up of fibrous plaque narrows the artery, restricts blood flow, increases blood pressure, damages the endothelium lining, and the process is repeated - an example of positive feedback
• Non-modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis


  • Genetics
  • Age
  • Diet
  • Gender
  • High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis can lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including angina, stroke, myocardial infarction, and aneurysms
• Modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis

  • High cholesterol levels
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Obesity
• Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries caused by the build-up of fibrous plaque called an atheroma
• Thrombosis, also known as blood clotting, prevents blood loss when a blood vessel is damaged, prevents the entry of disease-causing microorganisms, and provides a framework for repair
• Clot formation


  1. Platelets attach to exposed collagen fibers

  2. Thromboplastin is released from platelets triggering the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin with the presence of calcium ions and vitamin K

  3. Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin

  4. Fibrin forms a network of fibers trapping platelets & red blood cells to form a blood clot
• Atherosclerosis


  A disease caused by a buildup of fatty deposits within arteries which narrows them and can restrict blood flow
• Myocardial Infarction


  Heart Attack

  Blockage of coronary arteries

  Symptoms- Sweating, shortness of breath, Chest pain
• Stroke


  Lack of blood flow to the brain