Healthy vasculature
Smooth Muscle Cell
Smooth Muscle Cells are a type of muscle cell found in the walls of organs and blood vessels. They help these structures contract and relax, allowing them to function properly.
Capillary
Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body. They connect Arteries and veins, and their thin walls allow oxygen, nutrients, and waste to pass between your blood and the body's cells.
Artery
Arteries are large blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your Heart to the rest of your body. They have thick, muscular walls to help them withstand the pressure of blood being pumped by the Heart.
Diseased vasculature
Marfan Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, including the Smooth Muscle in blood vessels. This can cause problems with the Heart, blood vessels, and other organs, making them more prone to damage.
Hemangioma
Hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of blood vessels that can form on the Skin or internal organs. They're most common in infants and usually harmless, but can sometimes cause problems if they grow too large or interfere with nearby structures.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits called plaque build up in the walls of your Arteries. This can narrow the Arteries and restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
vasculature Treatment
Marfan -> Smooth Muscle Cell
Metoprolol is a medication that treats Marfan Syndrome by lowering blood pressure and reducing the strain on blood vessels and the Heart. It does this by blocking Beta-1 receptors in the Heart. This helps prevent complications, like aortic dissection, which can occur due to weakened blood vessel walls.
Hemangioma -> Capillary
Propranolol is a medication that treats infant Hemangiomas by slowing down the growth of blood vessels in the affected area. It blocks Beta-1 and 2 receptors which can help shrink the Hemangioma, reducing its size and appearance, and minimizing any complications it may cause.
Atherosclerosis -> Artery
Rosuvastatin is a medication that treats Atherosclerosis by lowering the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in your blood. It does this by blocking the Liver’s ability to produce cholesterol. This helps slow down the formation of plaque in your Arteries, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of Heart Attacks and strokes.
