Higher Human Biology

CVD is responsible for a huge proportion of deaths annually

Atherosclerosis

Formation of plaques (atheromas) beneath the endothelium in an artery

Start off as mainly fatty material (cholesterol)

Become enlarged due to collecting fibrous material, calcium and more cholesterol

Larger atheromas can lead to; Significant reduction in diameter of

arteries lumen Restriction of blood flow to the capillary

bed served by that artery An increase in blood pressure

Large plaques hardened by deposits of calcium cause arterial walls to become thicker and less elastic

“hardening of the arteries”

Symptoms of atherosclerosis come on in later life

Can lead to various cardiovascular diseases; Coronary heart disease (inc. angina) Strokes Heart attacks (myocardial infarctions)

Atherosclerosis can also cause peripheral vascular disease

http://www.nhs.uk/video/Pages/coronary-arteries-and-heart-disease.aspx?searchtype=Tag&searchterm=Heart_vascular__Conditions&offset=17&