Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) encompass conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. This section focuses on atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, two related conditions that contribute significantly to CVDs. These conditions are closely linked to the Rate of Blood Flow→ and Blood Pressure→.
- Definition: Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the plaque deposition of cholesterol within the inner lining (lumen) of the arteries.
- Process:
- Cholesterol accumulates, forming fatty streaks that develop into plaques.
- This deposition leads to the narrowing of the arteries' lumen, restricting blood flow.
- Initial Plaque Formation: The initial localized plaque formed is known as a thrombus.
- Definition: Arteriosclerosis is the hardening and calcification of arterial walls, often as a progression of atherosclerosis.
- Process:
- Following cholesterol deposition in atherosclerosis, fibres are deposited within the cholesterol plaque.
- These plaques then calcify and become hard, a process that defines arteriosclerosis.
- Thrombus: The initial, stationary plaque formed by cholesterol and other substances in the artery is called a thrombus.
- Embolus: A thrombus that detaches from the artery wall and travels through the bloodstream is termed an embolus. An embolus can cause blockages in smaller vessels elsewhere in the body (e.g., lungs, brain, heart).
A variety of factors contribute to the development and progression of these arterial diseases.
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Major Risk Factors:
- Hypercholesterolemia (Hyperlipidemia): High levels of cholesterol or other lipids in the blood.
- Hypertension: Persistently high blood pressure.
- Cigarette Smoking: Damages blood vessel walls and promotes plaque formation.
- Diabetes Mellitus: High blood glucose levels contribute to arterial damage.
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Minor Risk Factors:
- Increasing Age: The risk generally increases with age.
- Lack of Exercise: Contributes to obesity, hypertension, and unfavorable cholesterol levels.
- Stressful Competitive Life: Chronic stress can impact cardiovascular health.
- Obesity: Excess body fat is linked to multiple major risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia).
While atherosclerosis affects the vessels, it often leads to clinical conditions of the heart muscle itself, such as Cardiovascular Disorders→.
This is chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia), often due to narrowed coronary arteries.
This occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump blood as well as it should. It is a chronic condition that differs from a sudden heart attack.