Atherosclerosis is a combination of atheromas and sclerosis. It affects the medium and large arteries

Causes by chronic inflammation in the artery wall - lipid deposition in arterial wall followed by fibrous atheromatous plaque formation, this causes:

• Stiffening of arterial walls = HTN + strain on heart (Increased afterpressure)
• Stenosis = angina
• Plaque rupture (thrombus) = embolus

End results of atherosclerosis:

• Stroke and TIA
• Angina and MI
• Mesenteric ischaemia
• PAD

Risk factors

Non-modifiable risk factors:

• Older age
• Family history
• Male

Modifiable risk factors:

• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption