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Pathophysiology 20Chapter%2018AU1) Protected View)-PowerPoint IONS SLIDESHOW REV

ID: 38007 • Letter: P

Question

Pathophysiology 20Chapter%2018AU1) Protected View)-PowerPoint IONS SLIDESHOW REVIEW VIEW s. Unless you need to edit, it's safer to stay in protected view. Enable Editing ription, and we need your help to fo it. Reactivate Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Health Williams & Will Scenario A man has several genetic defects in his lipoprotein receptors... His liver lacks LDL receptors His muscle cells lack receptors for the apoproteins on chylomicrons His scavenger cells have extra LDL receptors Question: Why might he develop atherosclerosis? Copyright 2011 Welters Kluwer Health Lippincott Wiliams & W kins

Explanation / Answer

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart throughout the body. They're lined by a thin layer of cells called the endothelium. The endothelium works to keep the inside of arteries toned and smooth, which keeps blood flowing.

According to experts, atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelium caused by high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol. That damage leads to the formation of plaque.

When bad cholesterol, or LDL, crosses the damaged endothelium, the cholesterol enters the wall of the artery. That causes your white blood cells to stream in to digest the LDL. Over years, the accumulating mess of cholesterol and cells becomes a plaque in the wall of the artery.

Plaque is a jumble of cholesterol, cells, and debris that creates a bump on the artery wall. As atherosclerosis progresses, that bump gets bigger. And when it gets big enough, it can create a blockage. That process goes on throughout your entire body. As a result, not only is your heart at risk but you are also at risk for stroke and other kinds of health problems.

Atherosclerosis usually causes no symptoms until middle or older age. But as narrowings become severe, they choke off blood flow and can cause pain. Blockages can also suddenly rupture, causing blood to clot inside an artery at the site of the rupture.