1.5.3

Atherosclerosis

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Atheromas

Atheromas are the deposition of materials in the walls of the arteries causing a blockage. Atheromas can cause a number of cardiovascular diseases.

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Deposition

  • The endothelium of arteries can become damaged by the deposition of white blood cells and lipids.
  • If white blood cells and fatty materials continue to be deposited in the artery walls, the materials will begin to form hard, fibrous plaque.
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Narrow lumen

  • As the fibrous plaque builds up, the lumen of the artery becomes narrower.
  • The flow of blood through the arteries is restricted.
  • The narrower lumen also increases blood pressure.
  • The presence of the fibrous plaque is called an atheroma.
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Coronary heart disease

  • Atheromas can cause diseases of the heart.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of disease that is associated with many atheromas.
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Atherosclerosis

  • Atherosclerosis is the blockage of an artery by the buildup of fatty plaques.
  • The slowdown of blood flow and subsequent oxygen deprivation that results from atherosclerosis causes severe pain, known as angina, and complete blockage of the arteries will cause myocardial infarction: the death of cardiac muscle tissue, commonly known as a heart attack.

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1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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