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Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It involves complex interactions between lipids, inflammatory cells, and the arterial wall, and is influenced by lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prevention and management focus on lifestyle modifications, medication, and sometimes surgical interventions to reduce risk factors and improve heart health.
Concept
Plaque rupture is a critical event in atherosclerosis where the fibrous cap of an atheromatous plaque breaks, leading to thrombosis and potentially causing acute coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction. This process is influenced by factors like inflammation, mechanical stress, and the composition of the plaque, making it a focal point for cardiovascular research and therapeutic intervention.
Inflammation is the body's complex biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, and is a protective attempt to remove the injurious stimuli and initiate the healing process. While acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune response, chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
Collagen synthesis is a complex biological process crucial for maintaining structural integrity and function in tissues, involving multiple steps from gene transcription to post-translational modifications. It plays a vital role in wound healing and tissue repair, with disruptions leading to various connective tissue disorders.
Smooth muscle cells are non-striated, involuntary muscle fibers found in the walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels, where they regulate internal flow and pressure. They contract in response to various stimuli, including neural, hormonal, and mechanical signals, and are crucial for processes such as peristalsis and vasoconstriction.
Concept
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system, which can lead to serious conditions like stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. Understanding the risk factors, such as immobility, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions, is crucial for prevention and management.
Plaque stabilization refers to the process of making atherosclerotic plaques less prone to rupture, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. This is achieved through medical therapies that target inflammation, lipid accumulation, and plaque composition to enhance stability and prevent thrombosis.
Plaque composition refers to the makeup of atherosclerotic plaques, which are deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that build up in the walls of arteries. Understanding the composition is crucial for assessing the risk of plaque rupture, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes, as different components contribute variably to plaque stability.
A vulnerable plaque is a type of atherosclerotic plaque that is prone to rupture, potentially leading to acute cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. Characterized by a thin fibrous cap, a large lipid core, and increased inflammation, these plaques present a significant risk despite possibly causing no symptoms until they rupture.
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