Atherosclerosis, blood clotting and cardiovascular diseaseEdexcel A-Level Biology A: Mind map

Exam questions on Atherosclerosis, blood clotting and cardiovascular disease

1. A 58-year-old man is told that he has atherosclerosis in his coronary arteries. His doctor explains that it develops slowly over many years and often begins when the lining of an artery is damaged.
   Explain how atherosclerosis can lead to raised blood pressure.2 marks
2. A woman cuts her finger on a knife. The wound bleeds for a short time and then a clot forms and stops the bleeding within a few minutes.
   Describe the role of thrombin in the formation of a blood clot.2 marks
3. A 62-year-old man has had high blood pressure for many years and has atherosclerosis in one of his coronary arteries. One day a plaque in this artery ruptures and a blood clot forms that blocks the artery completely. He has a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
   Explain how long-term high blood pressure can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, and how atherosclerosis can in turn raise blood pressure further.3 marks