1. Atherosclerosis by Sidrah naseem (ug-3)

2. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic. Atherosclerosis refers to the build up of fats and cholesterol on your artery walls (plaques), which can restrict blood flow. 2

3. CAUSES Atherosclerosis starts when the endothelium becomes damaged, allowing LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the artery wall. The body sends macrophage white blood cells to clean up the cholesterol, but sometimes the cells get stuck there at the affected site. Over time this results in plaque being built up, consisting of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and macrophage white blood cells. The plaque clogs up the artery, disrupting the flow of blood around the body. This potentially causes blood clots that can result in life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. 3

4. 4

5. RISK FACTORS High blood pressure High cholesterol Smoking and other sources of nicotine Diabetes Obesity Family history 5

6. COMPLICATIONS Coronary artery disease Carotid artery disease Peripheral artery disease Aneurysms 6

7. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Blood tests Doppler ultrasound Ankle-brachial index Electrocardiogram (ECG) Stress test Cardiac catheterization and angiogram CT scan or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) Physical exam 7

8. MEDICATIONS Cholesterol medications Anti-platelet medications Beta blocker medications Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Calcium channel blockers Water pills (diuretics) 8

9. THERAPY Angioplasty and stent placement Endarterectomy Thrombolytic therapy Bypass surgery 9

10. PREVENTION Stop smoking Daily exercise Healthy food Maintain weight Avoid stress 10

11. REFERENCES: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arteriosclerosis- atherosclerosis/DS00525/DSECTION=prevention http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH000122 4/ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247837.php http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is- atherosclerosis Thank you! 11