Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 26:Cardiovascular and atherosclerosis – causes, symptoms

Role of fat in the development of atherosclerosis

• Main forms of fat are cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Fat is transported to the parts of body with the help of lipoproteins
• Liver places cholesterol along with triglycerides in the lipoprotein packages

There are five stages to atherosclerosis (Figure)

• Phase I: Asymptomatic phase which consists of fatty streaks which are non-obstructive lipid filled cells
• Phase II: Consists of plaque with high lipid content and prone to rupture with main lipid being LDL
• Phase III: Acute complicated phase with rupture of non-occlusive thrombus
• Phase IV: Acute complicated lesions with occlusive thrombus which are associated with angina/myocardial infarction.
• Phase V: Fibrotic or occlusive lesions.

Angina pectoris: Chest discomfort if often reported by most patients especially those which are chronic cases of dyslipidemia and/or hypertension

1. Development of Atheroma
2. Fatty acids
3. Clinical effects