ATHEROSCLEROSIS

 abnormal accumulation of lipid, or fatty, substances and fibrous tissue in the vessel wall.
 A form of arteriosclerosis, it is the reduction in blood flow through the arteries caused by greasy
deposits called atheroma or plaque that form on the insides of arteries and partially restrict the flow of
blood.
 Plaque deposits are associated with high concentrations of cholesterol in the blood. Recent studies have
also shown an association between inflammation and plaque deposits.
 Blood flow is often further reduced by the formation of blood clots (Thrombosis), which are most likely
to form where the artery walls have been roughened by plaque.
 Reduction in blood flow can cause organ damage. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery
becomes blocked and heart muscle is destroyed.
 The anatomic structure of the coronary arteries makes them particularly most susceptible to the
mechanisms of atherosclerosis.
 Risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis include physical inactivity, smoking, a diet high in fat, high
blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Lipid or fatty deposits in the intima of the arterial wall

Macrophagest ingest lipid then die

Proliferation of smooth muscle cells to form a fibrous cap

Atheromas or Plaques Lipid core may grow leading to rupture of the fibrous cap

Narrowing of BV and obstruction to BF Thrombus formation

↓ Blood flow to the heart

↓ O2 Supply

Ischemia of myocardial cells

↑ Lactic Acid

Pain

Myocardial Infarction