Mechanisms of coronary plaque formation and disruption
Matsuo, Y.; Akasaka, T.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 64(4): 633-641
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 16613179 Document Number: 601834
We review here the evolutional understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic and acute phase of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although we previously considered CAD as a cholesterol storage disease, we currently understand that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder and inflammation plays a major role in all stages of atherogenesis. We formerly focused our attention on luminal narrowing due to the atheroma. However, we now recognize the need to attend to non-obstructive lesions and their biological attributes as well. Moreover, plaque disruption is thought to occur due to, not only local changes in the plaque itself, but also systemic changes in the patient. Thus, treatment of CAD should involve the approach of mechanical revascularization and systemic preventive intervention.