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

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