Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of large and medium-sized arteries caused by fat and cholesterol deposits (plaques) inside the arteries, leading to narrowing, reduced blood flow, and organ damage.
Major Cause of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Peripheral Artery Disease
Mnemonic: "F.A.T. Disease" (Fatty Artery Trouble)
CAUSES & RISK
FACTORS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS
1. NON-MODIFIABLE
RISK FACTORS (CANNOT CHANGE)
• Age → Risk increases with age.
• Gender → More common in men; women are at
risk after menopause.
• Genetics → Family history of heart disease increases risk.
Mnemonic: "A-G-G" (Age, Gender, Genetics)
2. MODIFIABLE
RISK FACTORS (CAN BE CONTROLLED)
• Smoking → Damages blood vessels.
• Unhealthy Diet → High in fat, sugar, salt
leads to cholesterol buildup.
• Lack of Exercise → Increases cholesterol & blood
pressure.
• Diabetes & Obesity → Increase plaque formation.
• Hypertension (High BP) → Damages arteries.
Mnemonic: "S.U.G.A.R." (Smoking, Unhealthy Diet, Glucose (Diabetes), Activity Low, Raised BP)
HOW ATHEROSCLEROSIS DEVELOPS
1. Fatty
Streak Formation → Cholesterol accumulates in
arteries.
2. Plaque
Formation → Foam cells (cholesterol-filled immune cells)
form fibrous cap.
3. Plaque
Growth → Arteries narrow, reducing blood flow.
4. Plaque
Rupture → Can cause blood clot (thrombosis), leading to heart
attack or stroke.
Mnemonic: "F.P.G.R." (Fat, Plaque, Growth, Rupture)
SYMPTOMS OF
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
• Coronary Arteries (Heart) → Chest Pain (Angina),
Heart Attack
• Carotid Arteries (Brain) → Stroke, Transient
Ischemic Attack (Mini-Stroke)
• Leg Arteries (Peripheral Artery Disease - PAD) → Leg
Pain (Intermittent Claudication), Ulcers
Mnemonic: "C.C.L." (Coronary = Heart, Carotid = Brain, Legs = PAD)
COMPLICATIONS OF
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
• Heart Attack (MI) → Due to blockage in coronary
arteries.
• Stroke → Due to blocked brain arteries.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) → Painful walking,
ulcers.
• Aneurysm → Artery weakens and bulges, may rupture.
Mnemonic: "H.S.P.A." (Heart Attack, Stroke, PAD, Aneurysm)
DIAGNOSIS OF
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
- Blood Tests → Check for High Cholesterol, Blood Sugar.
- ECG & Stress Test → Detects heart disease.
- Doppler Ultrasound → Checks blood flow in arteries.
- Angiography (CT or MRI) → Visualizes narrowed arteries.
Mnemonic: "B.E.D.A." (Blood Test, ECG, Doppler, Angiography)
TREATMENT OF
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
1. LIFESTYLE
CHANGES
- Quit Smoking
- Healthy Diet (Low Fat, Low Salt, More Fiber & Omega-3s)
- Regular Exercise (30 min/day)
- Weight Loss
2. MEDICATIONS
- Statins → Lower Cholesterol
- Aspirin → Prevents Blood Clots
- Antihypertensives → Control Blood Pressure
3. SURGICAL
TREATMENT
- Angioplasty (Stent Placement) → Opens blocked artery.
- Bypass Surgery → New route for blood flow.
Mnemonic: "L.M.S." (Lifestyle, Medications, Surgery)
PREVENTION OF
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
- Eat Healthy (More Fruits & Vegetables, Less Junk Food)
- Exercise Daily (Keep Arteries Clear)
- Quit Smoking (Reduces Artery Damage)
- Manage BP, Sugar, & Cholesterol
Mnemonic: "E.E.Q.M." (Eat, Exercise, Quit Smoking, Manage Health)
FINAL REVISION WITH MNEMONICS
- Definition = "F.A.T. Disease" (Fatty Artery Trouble)
- Causes = "A-G-G" (Age, Gender, Genetics) & "S.U.G.A.R." (Smoking, Unhealthy Diet, Glucose, Activity Low, Raised BP)
- Development = "F.P.G.R." (Fat, Plaque, Growth, Rupture)
- Symptoms = "C.C.L." (Coronary = Heart, Carotid = Brain, Legs = PAD)
- Complications = "H.S.P.A." (Heart Attack, Stroke, PAD, Aneurysm)
- Diagnosis = "B.E.D.A." (Blood Test, ECG, Doppler, Angiography)
- Treatment = "L.M.S." (Lifestyle, Medications, Surgery)
- Prevention = "E.E.Q.M." (Eat, Exercise, Quit Smoking, Manage Health)
