Question 1

What is the Meaning of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

Arterial plaque is an abnormal accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris within arterial walls. This pathological buildup, atherosclerosis, progressively hardens and narrows arteries, impeding blood flow. It represents a fundamental process in cardiovascular disease.

Question 2

What is the Context of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

This pathological formation occurs within the circulatory system, affecting medium to large arteries, including those supplying the heart, brain, and limbs. Its presence directly impacts cardiovascular function by compromising vascular elasticity and luminal patency, crucial for efficient blood distribution. Plaque development is influenced by systemic metabolic and inflammatory factors.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

Arterial plaque holds critical clinical significance as the primary underlying cause of coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Its progression can lead to severe symptoms like angina, claudication, and transient ischemic attacks, increasing risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Early identification and management are paramount for preventing adverse cardiovascular events.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

Plaque formation begins with endothelial dysfunction, often triggered by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation, allowing LDL cholesterol particles to infiltrate the arterial wall. Macrophages engulf oxidized lipids, transforming into foam cells, which accumulate as fatty streaks. Smooth muscle cells migrate, proliferate, and synthesize extracellular matrix; calcium deposits harden the lesion, creating a fibrous cap that can rupture, leading to thrombus formation.

Question 5

What is the Application of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

Understanding arterial plaque guides clinical strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction and disease management. Interventions include lifestyle modifications like dietary changes and physical activity, along with pharmacological therapies such as statins, antiplatelet agents, and antihypertensive medications. These measures aim to stabilize existing plaques, prevent their growth, and reduce rupture risk and subsequent cardiovascular events.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

Arterial plaque burden and its impact are assessed through various diagnostic modalities, including lipid panel blood tests, C-reactive protein levels, and advanced imaging techniques like carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ultrasound, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring via CT, and angiography. These metrics provide objective data on atherosclerosis extent and help clinicians stratify cardiovascular risk, guiding treatment.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Arterial Plaque?

Accepted Answer

Unmanaged arterial plaque poses substantial health risks, including acute coronary syndromes, ischemic stroke, and critical limb ischemia, potentially resulting in disability or mortality. Mismanagement or delayed intervention allows plaque to progress, leading to unstable angina, heart failure, or aortic aneurysms. The risk of plaque rupture, leading to thrombotic occlusion, represents a significant acute medical emergency requiring immediate clinical attention.

Arterial Plaque

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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