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Understanding the Disease
Understanding the Disease
Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the narrowing of an artery due to the buildup of plaque on the arterial walls, resulting in reduced blood flow. This is extremely problematic because it impairs the artery's ability to transport oxygen and other important nutrients throughout the body.
Atherosclerosis initiation is characterized by the thickening of the intimal layer of arteries and accumulation of fat. The accumulation of fat progresses to atheroma, where the growth of plaque disrupts blood flow and causes shear stress in the vessels and vascular wall damage. The atheroma can result in thrombotic lesions and lead to further complications including death.
Common Risk Factors Associated with Atherosclerosis
Common Risk Factors Associated with Atherosclerosis
High cholesterol
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy lipid that can be found in foods we eat. There are two types of cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often considered "bad" cholesterol while HDL is often considered "good" cholesterol. Some research suggests that LDL can negatively impact the heart. and may accumulate and block blood vessels if its concentration in the blood is too high.
Aging
Aging
As we age, our heart and blood vessels accumulate fatigue due to constant use. As a result, our vessels may become weaker and less elastic, which may increase their susceptibility to atherosclerosis.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels by weakening them in some areas. These weakened blood vessels may be more susceptible to atherosclerosis.
Diabetes
Diabetes
People who have diabetes also have a higher incidence of Cardiovascular Disease. This might be because diabetes drives inflammation into the coronary vessels and progressively slows blood flow.
Smoking
Smoking
Cigarette smoke is very detrimental because the toxins in tobacco lower HDL while raising levels of LDL. Additionally, nicotine and carbon dioxide in cigarettes damage the blood vessel walls.
Common Medical Signs of Atherosclerosis
Common Medical Signs of Atherosclerosis
Slow healing of wounds, most likely due to reduced blood flow
Weakened pulse
Aneurysms, characterized be an abnormal widening or bulging of an artery
Abnormal whooshing sounds that suggest a blocked artery
Dyslipidemia linked to vasoconstrictor hormones and hypertension
Hyperglycemia and presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Inflammatory reactions induced by putative antigens, lipoproteins, and possibly microbial structures
Common Diagnostic Tests for Atherosclerosis
Common Diagnostic Tests for Atherosclerosis
Blood tests: evaluates blood cholesterol levels
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): compares blood pressure in different limbs to determine if there is a blockage
Stress Test (exercise tolerance tests): monitors blood pressure and heart rate during exercise
Electrocardiogram (ECG): measures the heart’s electrical activity and beating patterns
Cardiac Angiogram: uses X-rays to visualize a radioactive tracer as it moves through blood vessels
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT): creates high resolution images of the heart and blood vessels
Doppler Ultrasound: uses sound waves to construct a picture of the artery that can reveal any blockages
Looking Towards the Adventitia to Elucidate the Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis
Looking Towards the Adventitia to Elucidate the Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis
The conventional view that stressed the role of dyslipidemia in the generation of atherosclerosis was rounded by extensive evidence that inflammation is a key contributor to all stages of the disease, from the initial lesion to the ruptured plaque. In all cases, the atheroma formation entails a progressive process in which the gradual implication of various cells and their secretory products define a sequence of events that leads from the fatty streak accumulation to thrombotic atheromas.
For years, the outermost layer of the vessels, the adventitia, was neglected when studying atherosclerosis. However, recently this layer consisting of connective tissue, fibroblasts, microvessels, lymphatic vessels, mast cells, nerves, and progenitor cells has gained a lot of interest within the scientific community. It is suggested that the structural components of the adventitia undergo significant changes with the advancement of the atherosclerotic plaque formation. As such, continued research efforts focused specifically on the adventitia may finally shed some light on the pathogenesis of this deadly disease.
Benefits of Using CT Images to Identify and Study Atherosclerosis
Benefits of Using CT Images to Identify and Study Atherosclerosis
CT images allow radiologists and other physicians to identify internal structures and see their shape, size, density, and texture
Vasculature, calcium depositions, and plaque formation are all identified in a CT-Scan
Non-invasive
Rapid acquisition of images
Low cost
High resolution
Acknowledgements:
Acknowledgements:
Dr. Geert Schmid-Schoenbein, Dr. Elliot McVeigh, Zhennong Chen, Dr. Bruce Wheeler, and Neha Chhugani
University of California, San Diego
2020
Page Leader: Sabrina Figueroa Buezo
Page updated
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