Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue
13:45

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue

Published on: November 11, 2022

Pathophysiology of plaque rupture and the concept of plaque stabilization

Prediman K Shah1

  • 1Division of Cardiology and Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA. shahp@cshs.org

Cardiology Clinics
|November 19, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis causes major deaths through coronary artery disease, limb ischemia, and strokes. Acute coronary syndromes arise from plaque rupture and thrombus formation, leading to serious cardiovascular events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries.
  • Atherosclerosis underlies conditions including coronary heart disease, limb ischemia, and stroke.
  • Acute coronary syndromes represent the most severe clinical outcomes of this disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the pathological mechanisms leading to acute coronary syndromes.
  • To highlight the role of plaque rupture and thrombus formation in cardiovascular events.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pathological processes in atherosclerotic arterial disease.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to acute coronary syndromes.

Main Results:

  • Luminal narrowing and vasoconstriction are contributing factors to atherosclerotic disease manifestations.
  • Thrombus formation on ruptured or eroded plaques is the primary cause of acute coronary syndromes.

Conclusions:

  • The superimposition of a thrombus on a disrupted atherosclerotic plaque is the critical event in acute coronary syndromes.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing and preventing severe cardiovascular events.

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Stent Implantation in the Carotid Artery for the Study of Restenosis04:30

A Murine Model of Stent Implantation in the Carotid Artery for the Study of Restenosis

Published on: May 14, 2013

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis01:16

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

Formation of the Platelet Plug

The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview