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Which arteries are commonly affected by atherosclerosis?
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cardiovascular disease
This micrograph shows a cross section of a coronary artery narrowed by an atherosclerotic plaque (purplish matter inside the artery). Most heart attacks are caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which triggers the formation of a clot that abruptly blocks blood flow to part of the heart muscle.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that primarily affects large and medium-sized arteries.12
The condition is characterized by the deposition of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the innermost layer of the arterial wall, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These lesions are frequently found in the following areas:32
- The Aorta: Atherosclerotic lesions are common in the aorta and its large branches.24
- Coronary Arteries: The disease is highly prevalent in the coronary arteries, where it leads to coronary heart disease.24
- Cerebral Vessels: Lesions can also affect the vessels supplying the brain, which may contribute to the formation of blood clots and stroke.2
In terms of distribution, lesions tend to concentrate at points where arterial flow experiences turbulence or abnormal shear stress, such as at vessel branch points. Additionally, lesions are generally more common near the origin of an artery rather than in more distal sites.4