thickening in the arterial wall called an Atheroma (or "fibro-fatty plaque"). Atheroma narrows the lumen of arteries and weakens the vessel wall. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and slowly progresses throughout life. Typically, it produces symptomatic clinical disease during the fifth and sixth decades of life.
The atheromatous plaque is a raised lesion within the intima of arteries composed of a core of cholesterol, necrotic cellular debris and inflammatory cells. This is covered by a "cap" of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers.(Back et al, 2003)
• Endothelial Injury: Chronic endothelial injury is the initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. Hemodynamic stresses such as turbulence at points of narrowing and branching
The atheromatous plaque is a raised lesion within the intima of arteries composed of a core of cholesterol, necrotic cellular debris and inflammatory cells. This is covered by a "cap" of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers.(Back et al, 2003)
• Endothelial Injury: Chronic endothelial injury is the initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. Hemodynamic stresses such as turbulence at points of narrowing and branching