Describe etiology/pathophysiology of coronary heart disease (CHD/CAD). a. Explai

Question

Describe etiology/pathophysiology of coronary heart disease (CHD/CAD). a. Explain the two different ways that atherosclerosis can develop. b. Describe the benefits of exercise in preventing CHD/CAD. Be sure to mention specific physiological adaptations. Explain the progressive physiological response to altitude over hours and days in someone who spends 1-2 weeks at altitude. a. Explain how athletes can use the physiological responses to altitude to enhance their performance. b. Explain a maladaptive response to altitude which underlies acute mountain sickness. Be sure to emphasize the blood buffering equation as a part of your answers to #2.

Explanation / Answer

CAD is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the body. Plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which could partially or totally block the blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis.

Too much plaque buildup and narrowed artery walls can make it harder for blood to flow through your body. When your heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood, you may have chest pain or discomfort, called angina. Angina is the most common symptom of CAD.

Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t pump blood the way that it should. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, also can develop.

a. Two different ways that atherosclerosis is developed-

i) being obese or overweight

ii) having a family history of CHD - the risk is increased if you have a male relative under the age of 55, or a female relative under 65, with CHD.

b. Benefits of exercise in preventing CHD/CAD

- increase in exercise tolerance

- Reduction in body weight

- Reduction in blood pressure

- Reduction in bad (LDL and total) cholesterol

- Increase in good (HDL) cholesterol

- Increase in insulin sensitivity

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