QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the pathophysiology of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Include discussion of risk factors associated with the development of this disease. (10 points)
Coronary artery atherosclerosis is most commonly comprised of atherosclerotic fibrous fatty obstructions of the large epicardial vessels, which provide for blood flow and transport nutrients, oxygen, and elimination of metabolic waste products such as CO2, lactic acid, and hydrogen ions. Coronary artery atherosclerosis is a progressive disease related to and accumulating atheroma (fibrous fatty plaque), which damage the supporting vessels of the heart and eventually progress to cardiac complications such as angina pectoris, MI, heart failure, and extracardiac complications.…