NSG 3336 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Disease
Document Summary
Arteriosclerosis = generic term describing thickening or hardening of the arterial wall that is often associated with aging > stiffness and loss of elasticity. May not necessarily have atherosclerosis or plaque build up. Atherosclerosis = calcium deposits or ldls build up on arterial walls, or thinking of the smaller arterioles occur. Epidemiology >prevalence of disorders caused by atherosclerosis = carotid artery disease, hypertension, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral arterial disease. Risk factors = elevated cholesterol levels, elevated triglycerides, elevated ldls, and decreased hdls. Htn = mechanical injury to arterial wall > makes less elastic and harder. Hyperglycemia = damage to intimal layer of arterial wall. Tobacco smoke = worsens atherosclerosis & speeds its growth > vasoconstriction, htn, endothelial cell and platelet dysfunction, increased circulating cholesterol. Men have higher incidence earlier in life, but following menopause incidence equalizes. Increased among african americans and hispanics > increased prevalence of smoking, diabetes, and htn.
