What's Really Important About the Vasa Vasorum | Episode 49

Continuing on my discussion from episode 48, I lay out the real significance of the Vasa Vasorum. What is it about the vasa vasorum that plays into Atherosclerosis as an autoimmune disease? What's the real difference between the vasa vasorum of veins vs arteries?
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#vasavasorum #atherosclerosis #cholesterol #ldl #heartdisease

[@jamesalles139]

Is there really much of a difference in the cause of atherosclerosis vs. aneurisms?

[@vlmdrounds]

An aneurysm is a defect in the blood vessel wall resulting in a bulging or ballooning out of the wall. It can be due to tissue defects and, when they reach a certain size, are at risk of rupture and an internal bleed. The pathogenesis is different from atherosclerosis.

[@jamesalles139]

@@vlmdrounds Thank you for your response!
And thank you for the definition, as well. It is clear that the observed effect is quite different (clotting vs. bleeding out). The physiology (or anatomy?) is also different. It would seem to me that the pressure gradient is a significant factor in an aneurysm rupture.
It appears that the pathogenesis of an aneurysm is less well understood than that of atherosclerosis - except in the case of physical defect or injury. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is not as well understood as some people assume.
Inflammation does appear to be a risk factor in both.
My apologies for pushing back, I do realize that you are not a , and my original question was in case you had taken special interest as you bring unique insight from your 'deep dives', which we all appreciate.
So my brief Googling of a couple of generally reputable websites and browsing a couple of research papers brings these results:
*The University of Michigan Samuel & Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center*
_Atherosclerosis is a major cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm and is the most common kind of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries._
*Mayo Clinic*
Aneurysms. _Atherosclerosis can also cause aneurysms, a serious complication that can occur anywhere in the body. Most people with aneurysms have no symptoms. Pain and throbbing in the area of an aneurysm may occur and is a medical emergency. If an aneurysm bursts, it can cause life-threatening bleeding inside the body._
*Are Aortic Aneurysms Caused by Atherosclerosis?*
Conclsions. _From the perspective of prevention, it appears that the risk factors for aortic atherosclerosis and probably atherosclerosis itself are necessary elements in the causal pathway for the great majority of aortic aneurysms in this cohort._
*Atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm: Cause, response or common risk factors?*
_The authors suggest that their findings fit better with atherosclerosis and AAA developing in parallel rather than atherosclerosis directly leading to AAA. _*_[...]_*_ the findings from the current study are not able to convincingly refute a role for atherosclerosis in AAA._
So, the science isn't settled. As for me, I have confidence that using my keto ==> carnivore leaning diet to minmimize blood sugar spikes and protect my glycocalyx; limiting ultra-processed 'foods' & ferreting out industrial processed seed oils from consumption (including 'health' supplements in soft-gels); and finally increasing exercise activity will help arrest the progression of both of these conditions.
thanks again!