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Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
Published on: January 15, 2022
The role of plaque rupture and thrombosis in coronary artery disease
A G Zaman1, G Helft, S G Worthley
1Cardiovascular Biology Research Laboratory, Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute (Box 1030), Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Insights
Atherosclerosis leads to plaque rupture and thrombosis, causing significant mortality. Understanding plaque composition and rupture triggers is key to developing new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Thrombosis Research
- Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications are leading causes of death globally.
- Plaque composition and rupture vulnerability are critical determinants of cardiovascular events.
- Risk factors influence atherosclerotic plaque progression in coronary circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque development and progression.
- To examine factors leading to plaque rupture and thrombosis.
- To discuss clinical consequences and potential research targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of atherosclerosis mechanisms.
- Analysis of factors influencing plaque rupture.
- Discussion of thrombosis and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Plaque composition significantly impacts rupture risk.
- Extrinsic factors can trigger plaque vulnerability.
- Rupture activates coagulation, leading to ischemia or silent events.
- Plaque rupture contributes to further disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding plaque rupture mechanisms is vital for managing atherosclerosis.
- Targeting plaque stability and thrombosis could reduce cardiovascular mortality.
- Future research should focus on novel therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. The progression of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary circulation is dependent on several risk factors. It is now clear that plaque composition is a major determinant of the risk of subsequent plaque rupture and superimposed thrombosis. The vulnerability of plaques to rupture is further determined by extrinsic triggering factors. Following rupture, the fatty core of the plaque and its high content of tissue factor provide a powerful substrate for the activation of the coagulation cascade. Plaque rupture can be clinically silent or cause symptoms of ischaemia depending on thrombus burden and the degree of vessel occlusion. In addition, plaque rupture and subsequent healing is recognized to be a major cause of further rapid plaque progression. This review looks at the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, factors leading to plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis and their clinical consequences. Finally, we speculate on targets for future research.
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