due to high blood pressure, toxins (eg cigarette smoke) or infection (chlamydia)
inflammatory response?
accumulation of WBC and lipids such as cholesterol move to vessel wall. plaque forms due to WBC engulfing lipids, forming build up of fatty deposits.
plaque formation?
calcium ions and fibrous tissue build up -> hard swell in wall. this causes the vessel to lose some elasticity (ATHEROSCLEROSIS)
positive feedback?
plaque causes narrow lumen so it will be more difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body. rise in blood pressure -> more plaque -> narrow lumen -> rise in blood pressure ect
consequences?
CHD, narrows coronary arteries
stroke, restriction of oxygen supply to brain, permanent serious damage.
aneurysm, build up of blood means artery can rupture.
angina, narrows coronary arteries so more heart pain
