ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (from the Greek αθήρα - “gruel” + σκλήρωσις - “hardening”[2]) is a chronic disease of the arteries of the elastic and muscular-elastic type, resulting from a violation of lipid and protein metabolism and accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol and some fractions of lipoproteins in the lumen vessels. Deposits form in the form of atheromatous (cholesterol) plaques. Subsequent growth of connective tissue in them (sclerosis), and calcification of the vessel wall lead to deformation and narrowing of the lumen, up to obstruction (blockage of the vessel). It is important to distinguish atherosclerosis from Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis, another form of sclerotic lesions of the arteries, which is characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the medial lining of the arteries, diffuseness of the lesion (absence of plaques), and the development of aneurysms (rather than blockages) of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis of the heart vessels leads to the development of coronary artery disease.