Question

Explain the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Explain the causes, medications, treatments and patient teaching for both.

Answer 1

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Atherosclerosis is build up of fat, cholesterol and other substances(plaque) in the arterial wall restricting the blood flow.

causes

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Diabetes

Smoking

Obesity/ sedentary life style

Inflammation from disease such as arthritis, lupus etc

pathophysiology

Injury to the inner wall

Blood cells clumps at the site of injury

Fatty deposit of cholesterol may also deposit at the site forming plaque

Eventually the plaque may get dislodged and travel along the blood flow to block some artery completely. If present in heart can lead to heart attack.

treatment

Surgical Angioplasty and stent placement

Endarterectomy- fatty deposits are removed surgically

Fibrinolytic therapy- use of clot dissolving drug

Bypass surgery- blocked artery is bypassed using vessel taken from another body part.

medications

cholesterol medications- to lower LDL and boost HDL

Beta blockers- lower heart rate and BP to reduce stress on heart

Antiplatelet- to reduce platelet clumping

ACE inhibitors- lower progression of atherosclerosis

Calcium channel blocker- lowers bp and treat angina

Diuretics- lowers blood pressure.

patient teaching

Stop smoking

Exercise

Eat healthy- low fat and cholesterol diet

Manage stress.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Arteriosclerosis is when arteries of the body become thick and stiff restricting the blood flow to various organs.

Can lead to atherosclerosis

causes

same as atherosclerosi

pathophysiology

arteriosclerosis further develop into atherosclerosis

Same pathophysiology

treatment

medications

Same as atherosclerosis

patient teaching

Same as atherosclerosis