Atherometric system. A suitable methodology to characterize atherosclerotic lesions in any artery or group of...

The atherometric system (AS) is a set of methods and procedures derived from a group of interdependent and strongly interrelated variables, resulting from certain biophysical (rheological, geometrical, hemodynamic) and mathematical considerations and reasonings. The variables of the AS are divided into two groups: the arterial and the organ-related variables. Each of them is subdivided into (a) descriptive variables, since correct use of them and their different combinations will enable proper examination of all pathomorphological and pathophysiological alterations to arteries and to atherosclerotically affected organs and (b) weighting indices which yield accurate prediction of the atherosclerotic process, its severity and consequences. The AS is a tool for medical and biological investigations in relation with any vascular disease due to atherosclerosis. It is useful for etiological, pathogenetical, pathomorphological, morphometrical, pathophysiological, biochemical, and epidemiological studies. Also it has proved its facilities for experimental studies with a view to elucidating possible effects of therapeutic action and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals to which anti-atherogenetic or anti-atherosclerotic activities are attributed.