OPPapers.com

Cardiovascular Disease: Atherosclerosis And Hypertension

Cardiovascular Disease also known as coronary heart disease encompasses diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The two most common forms of cardiovascular disease are atherosclerosis and hypertension (chronic high blood pressure). Both of these conditions involve the damage of blood vessels. Hypertension and atherosclerosis paired equal the greatest threat to the development of heart disease and ultimately death (Missoula County, 2004).
Atherosclerosis means "hardening of the arteries"; this is caused by a build up of cholesterol and other fatty substance within the walls of the arteries. In atherosclerosis, fatty deposits called plaque, build up on the inner wall of the coronary arteries. These fatty deposits usually develop over many years. Plaque is composed of porridge like accumulation of cholesterol and their compounds within a fibrous coat. After it builds up, the injury to the arteries signal the immune system to release white blood cells to the site. This initiates a process called the inflammatory response. Macrophages literally "eat" the oxidized cholesterol leaving behind foamy cells that attach to the artery's smooth muscle cells. The foamy cells then buildup within the artery. After the immune system senses the foamy cells, it releases other factors called cytokines, which attract more white blood cells and perpetuate the whole cycle. This usually repeats itself forming atherosclerotic lesions (Mamashealth.com, 2004).
Hypertension the formal name given to high blood pressure by the medical community is referred to as the silent killer, because it presents no symptoms that can be felt. It only often revealed during routine checkups or during the treatment of other conditions. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is persistently above normal. Blood pressure is measured by two numbers in a fraction. The first number reflects the pressure of blood in the arteries when the heart's ventricles contract in the form of...