Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation

• Elastic arteries (aorta, carotids and iliacs)
• Large and medium sized muscular arteries (coronary and popliteal arteries)
• Atherosclerosis is involved in half or more deaths and serious morbidity in the western world.
• In the past 35 years there has been a 50% reduction in death rate from myocardial infarction, but there is a long way to go.
• Symptomatic atherosclerosis typically involves arteries supplying the: heart, brain, kidneys, lower extremities  and small intestine.
• Atherosclerosis causes disease by acutely or chronically diminishing arterial perfusion.
• Atheromatous plaque is the key lesion: intimal thickening with lipid accumulation.