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Atherosclerosis |
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AtherosclerosisPathologyCoronary Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the formation of fatty plaques on the inside of large
vessels. This is associated with accumulation of macrophages (foamy macrophages)
and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. In coronary artery disease this occurs
in the large and medium sized epicardial coronary arteries. Atherogenesis is believed to be caused by an initial injury to the
intima of the coronary vessels. Damage to the coronary epithelium by mechanical
stress, immunological factors or biochemical abnormalities may be the initial
trigger for formation of an atheromatous plaque at that point of the endocardium.
The associated endothelial dysfunction allows the accumulation of lipoproteins,
which are then taken up by macrophages, forming foam cells and the early stages
of a plaque. Coronary atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, the plaques will
gradually enlarge in size and cause more severe ischemic heart disease. In
addition the plaque may become unstable and rupture causing thrombus formation
and possible thromboemboli.
Risk FactorsSymptoms |
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