Describe the stages in the development of an atheroma in an

Describe the stages in the development of an atheroma in an artery

Solution

Answer:

Atheroma is the cause of various cardiovascular diseases such as angina, heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Patches of atheroma are like small fatty lumps that develop within the inside lining of blood vessels (arteries). Atheroma is also known as atherosclerosis and \'hardening of the arteries\'. Patches of atheroma are often called plaques of atheroma.

The 3 stages of atheroma are:

1. Endothelial damage:

Inner layer of smooth cells (endothelium ) are damaged caused by smoking, hypertension, etc.

2. Uptake of modified LDL particles, adhesion and infiltration of macrophages:

A fatty streak appears as a yellow streak running along the major arteries, such as the aorta. The streak consists of smooth muscle cells, which are filled with cholesterol, and macrophages (a type of immune system scavenger cell that removes harmful substances, such as excess cholesterol particles, from the bloodstream).

3. Smooth muscle proliferation and formation of a fibrous cap:

A fibrous plaque forms in the inner layer of the artery. The plaque consists of large numbers of smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that typically responds to an infection or injury). These cells are all filled with cholesterol. As the fibrous plaque grows, it projects into the space inside the artery where the blood is flowing.