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atherosclerotic plaque
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The role of coronary artery disease in heart attack Two cross-sectional illustrations compare a normal human artery with a healthy, open lumen to an artery narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque buildup, showing damaged endothelium, foam cells, fibrous cap, and lipid deposits. Three-panel medical illustration showing balloon angioplasty and stent insertion in an artery. Panel A shows a catheter with a balloon and stent positioned at a narrowed section with plaque. Panel B shows the balloon inflated, compressing the plaque and expanding the stent. Panel C shows the expanded stent holding the artery open with the plaque compressed against the artery wall.
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atherosclerotic plaque

pathology
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The role of coronary artery disease in heart attack
The role of coronary artery disease in heart attack 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 where fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up in the inner lining of arteries, forming atherosclerotic plaques. This buildup, often starting as fatty streaks, involves immune cells called macrophages engulfing lipids, becoming "foam cells." These plaques can narrow arteries, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to organs, potentially causing chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attacks, or strokes. Plaque rupture can trigger blood clots, leading to sudden blockages. Risk factors include family history, smoking, stress, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Treatment may involve medications to lower cholesterol and prevent clots, or surgical procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery to restore blood flow.123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. arteriosclerosis
  2. atherosclerosis
  3. cardiovascular disease - Treatment

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