The Biology of Atherosclerosis, Heart Attacks and Strokes

Bryan Holden

First Things First…

What is Atherosclerosis?

-It is the progressive depositing of lipids and cells in the inner layer of an artery

-It is the most common cause of heart attacks and strokes

-Accounts for 75% of all cardiovascular disease deaths

Low Density Lipoprotein

The Mechanism of a Heart Attack

• WBC’s adhere to luminal surface of the artery wall.

• WBC’s differentiate into macrophages to fight an infection

• Macrophages can readily endocytose LDL cholesterol into artery

• Cholesterol is converted to an ester and is passed into the macrophage forming a foam cell

Accumulation of cholesterol forms a fatty streak

Smooth muscle cells secrete more cholesterol. A plaque is formed

along with a fibrous cap

Plaque ruptures and forms a blood clot instantly

Blood clot results in…

Heart attackStrokeDeath

Treatments

Balloon stretchingRemoval of plaques

StentsBypass surgery

Prevention of Atherosclerosis

• Exercise: 30 minutes most of the days of the week

• Eat a diet low in saturated fats• Don’t smoke

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