Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis

Question 1. Functions Of Cholesterol.
Answer.

Functions Of Cholesterol.

Cholesterol has four functions:

• Synthesis of bile acids
• Hormone synthesis
• Vitamin D synthesis
• Coprostanol synthesis

Read And Learn More: BSc Nursing 1st Year Nutrition And Biochemistry Previous Year Question and Answers

Question 2. Add a note on atherosclerosis.
Answer.

Atherosclerosis Definition

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease characterised by thickening or hardening of the arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol in the inner arterial wall.

Symptoms of Atherosclerosis and How to Diagnose

Mechanism Of Atherosclerosis

• Increased levels of cholesterol for prolonged periods will cause deposition of cholesterol in the subintimal region of the arteries
• Coronary vessels and cerebral vessels are predominantly affected by this atherosclerotic process
• LDL deposits the cholesterol in the macrophages, which become overloaded with cholesterol esters and are called “foam cells,” and this leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques
• The formation of atherosclerotic plaque leads to narrowing of the vessel wall
• The blood flow through the narrow vessel lumen is more turbulent, and there is a tendency for clot formation
• Finally, a clot is formed, which occludes one of the major vessels
• Thrombosis leads to ischaemia of the tissue supplied, due to decreased oxygen flow
• Finally, infarction or ischaemic death of the tissue occurs

How Atherosclerosis Develops: Pathophysiology and Mechanisms

Disorders That May Cause Atherosclerosis

Certain diseases are associated with atherosclerosis, such as:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hyper – lipoproteinemia
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Hypothyroidism

Atherosclerosis and Its Link to Heart Disease and Stroke

Causes Of Atherosclerosis

Factors which may cause atherosclerosis are:

• Obesity
• High consumption of saturated fat
• Excessive smoking
• Lack of physical exercise
• Stress