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Toward a new definition of atherosclerosis including hypertension: a proposal
1Escuela de Medicina "José María Vargas" San José, Caracas, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela. solteroivan@yahoo.com
Insights
Atherosclerosis, a complex vascular disease, is poorly defined in current literature. This study proposes a new definition to better understand its pathology and risk factors like high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pathology
- Medical Definitions
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a complex vascular disease with advancing research into its etiology and development.
- Current definitions of atherosclerosis are often incomplete, failing to fully encompass its pathology.
- Existing definitions may overlook critical elements such as the role of the endothelium and certain risk factors like hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a revised definition of atherosclerosis.
- To enhance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and causes of atherosclerosis.
- To address the limitations of current definitions in capturing the disease's complexity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing atherosclerosis definitions and research.
- Analysis of etiological and pathological factors contributing to atherosclerosis.
- Development of a new conceptual framework for defining atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Identified significant gaps in current atherosclerosis definitions.
- Highlighted the importance of including endothelial involvement and key risk factors in a comprehensive definition.
- Proposed a new definition that aims for greater accuracy and completeness.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive redefinition of atherosclerosis is necessary for improved understanding and research.
- The proposed definition integrates endothelial function and major risk factors.
- This enhanced definition facilitates a clearer grasp of the 'why' and 'how' of atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a very complex disease and while research about its aetiology and development advances, it is more difficult to understand its pathology. Because of this atherosclerosis is not easy to define. Old and even new definitions are incomplete. Most of them do not take into consideration the endothelium on both sides, and some risk factors such as high blood pressure are ignored. Here we present a proposal for a redefinition of atherosclerosis and look forward to having a better understanding about the why and how of this lethal disease.