PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by the formation of atheromas in the arteries due to risk factors such as hypertension and high LDL?

1. Atherosclerosis

2. Aneurysm

3. Arteriovenous malformation

4. Thrombosis

The correct answer is: Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the condition characterized by the formation of atheromas, which are fatty deposits that accumulate in the arterial walls. This process is significantly influenced by various risk factors, with hypertension and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol being prominent contributors. Over time, these atheromas can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can impede blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The mechanisms behind atherosclerosis involve endothelial injury and inflammation, leading to the recruitment of lipids and immune cells to the site of injury, forming plaques. The presence of hypertension exacerbates the injury to endothelial cells lining the arteries, while high LDL contributes to cholesterol accumulation within the arterial walls. An aneurysm refers to an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, which is not specifically linked to the formation of atheromas. Arteriovenous malformation is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, and thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a vessel. While these conditions can be related to vascular health, they do not specifically involve the formation of atheromas like atherosclerosis does.