Patho Atherosclerosis
The Disease Process of Atherosclerosis
&
its Complication;
Myocardial infarction
Loretta Zambito
McMaster University
HTH SCI 2C06
Dr. Ruth Hannon
March 11, 2013
Atherosclerosis is the primary topic for this research paper. It is a disease process that can lead to many complications, one of which is called myocardial infarction; otherwise known as a heart attack. Atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is defined as a disease characterized by abnormal thickening of the arteries due to fatty deposits (atheroma’s) of cholesterol on the arterial inner walls. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2013). This paper will look at the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and how its complication, myocardial infarction, is formed in correlation to atherogenesis. This paper will also explore various tests, common medications used in clinical application, and their significance and mechanisms of action on a cellular level.
The disease process for atherosclerosis is vast and includes many specific biomarkers, inflammatory mediators and cells along its progression. The vast majority of the disease process begins within the endothelium of the vascular system. A healthy artery has healthy endothelial cells that regulate the tonicity of the vessels and help to apply antiplatelet, anticoagulation and fibrinolytic elements (Galkina & Ley, 2007). Without these components, platelets clump together and cause potential occlusions in the vessels, resulting in localized ischemia and possibly the formation of emboli or thrombi. The tonicity and shape of the endothelium are controlled by the release of several vasoconstrictor (endothelin and angiotensin II) and vasodilator (prostacyclin, bradykinin and nitric oxide) chemical mediators (Davignon & Ganz, 2004).
Angiotensin II works to stimulate production of endothelin; these two work together to exert vasoconstricting properties and promote proliferation of the smooth muscle cells, which in turn contributes to
&
its Complication;
Myocardial infarction
Loretta Zambito
McMaster University
HTH SCI 2C06
Dr. Ruth Hannon
March 11, 2013
Atherosclerosis is the primary topic for this research paper. It is a disease process that can lead to many complications, one of which is called myocardial infarction; otherwise known as a heart attack. Atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is defined as a disease characterized by abnormal thickening of the arteries due to fatty deposits (atheroma’s) of cholesterol on the arterial inner walls. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2013). This paper will look at the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and how its complication, myocardial infarction, is formed in correlation to atherogenesis. This paper will also explore various tests, common medications used in clinical application, and their significance and mechanisms of action on a cellular level.
The disease process for atherosclerosis is vast and includes many specific biomarkers, inflammatory mediators and cells along its progression. The vast majority of the disease process begins within the endothelium of the vascular system. A healthy artery has healthy endothelial cells that regulate the tonicity of the vessels and help to apply antiplatelet, anticoagulation and fibrinolytic elements (Galkina & Ley, 2007). Without these components, platelets clump together and cause potential occlusions in the vessels, resulting in localized ischemia and possibly the formation of emboli or thrombi. The tonicity and shape of the endothelium are controlled by the release of several vasoconstrictor (endothelin and angiotensin II) and vasodilator (prostacyclin, bradykinin and nitric oxide) chemical mediators (Davignon & Ganz, 2004).
Angiotensin II works to stimulate production of endothelin; these two work together to exert vasoconstricting properties and promote proliferation of the smooth muscle cells, which in turn contributes to