Since atherosclerosis affects arteries, its effects are widespread. Atherosclerosis tends of affect organs and tissues requiring substantial blood supply. Continue below to investigate how atherosclerosis affects the body from head to toe.
LO1: List the major clinical manifestations/sequelae of atherosclerosis.
Major Manifestations of Atherosclerosis
Ischemic Stroke
Atherosclerosis in the arteries supplying the brain can cause ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a embolus or atheroma. The resultant ischemia can lead to brain damage, neurological deficits, and in severe cases, death.
Pathology Outlines
MyUpchar Digital Hospital
Angina Pectoris
When the coronary arteries of the heart become partially occluded, then can reduce blood flow to the cardiomyocytes. If blood cannot reach the cardiomyocytes, particularly during exertion, a person may experience pain. Normally, this pain goes away with rest or by taking nitroglycerin which rapidly decays to nitric oxide–potent vasodilator. If the pain does not go away, this could be indicative of a more serious condition like a myocardial infarction.
Chronic Kidney Failure
The main job of the kidneys is to filter blood, so it makes sense they have an extensive arterial blood supply. Unfortunately, this means atherosclerosis has a profound effect of them. Atherosclerosis affecting the renal arteries can lead to chronic kidney failure. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can damage the kidney's delicate cells, impair their ability to filter waste products and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
Mayo Clinic
Mount Sinai
Claudication & Gangrene
Claudication occurs in the extremities when the tissues cannot get adequate blood supply. Like angina pectoris, claudication is typically brought on by exertion in which a person will experience pain in the affected limb.
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Gangrene is a serious condition that occurs when body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply usually due to atherosclerosis. Often affecting limbs, vessel occlusion causes the downstream tissues to turn black and become necrotic.