Question

Mr. K. is a 57-year-old man who consulted his physician after noticing marked leg pains while playing golf. He had previously noticed increasing fatigue and discomfort in his legs associated with moderate exercise. When sitting for extended periods with legs dangling, his legs became red, and sometimes his feet felt numb. His history indicates he smokes cigarettes and is chronically overweight. His blood cholesterol and other lipid levels are abnormal, and his physician suspects peripheral atherosclerosis as the cause of his discomfort.

Discussion Questions

1.      Discuss the development of atherosclerosis, including the predisposing factors in this case and the pathophysiological changes. (See Atherosclerosis.)

2.      Discuss the complications that might develop in this patient. (See Atherosclerosis—Pathophysiology, Signs and Symptoms.)

3.      Discuss the treatments for all aspects of the patient’s condition, including slowing the progress of the atherosclerosis, maintaining circulation in the leg, and treating complications. (See Atherosclerosis—Treatment.)

Answer 1

1. Atherosclerosis is a process in which blood, fats such as cholesterol and other substances build up on artery walls.
- Plaque will eventually form and may narrow or block arteries.
- The plaques can rupture causing a blood clot.
- Mr. K has many predisposing factors the biggest one being he is a cigarette smoker. Others include being over weight, High cholesterol and high blood pressure. Finally, atherosclerosis can be more common in middle aged males.

2. Complications:-
- The complications of atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are blocked.
- For example: Coronary artery disease. When atherosclerosis narrows the arteries close to your heart, patient may develop coronary artery disease, which can cause chest pain (angina), a heart attack or heart failure.

3. TREATMENT:-
(A) MEDICATION:-
- Cholesterol medication
- anti platelet medication
- beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- calcium channel blockers
- diuretics

(B) SURGICAL :-
- Angioplasty and stent placement
- Endarterectomy
- bypass surgery