Atherosclerosis

AtheroChem is meeting the challenge of atherosclerosis with new molecules that work directly on plaque.

Atherosclerosis is a condition of the arterial blood vessel walls, where deposits of lipids form within the walls and develop into vessel-blocking plaque. These deposits can develop in any artery within the body. The manifestation of the type of disease is determined by plaque location within the body (see The Disease – Arterial Diseases).

Atherosclerosis develops over many years and its development is greatly affected by diet and exercise. Risk factors such as high plasma LDL-cholesterol will increase one’s chances of developing atherosclerosis. Drugs such as statins can reduce plasma LDL-cholesterol and decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis and the associated diseases such as coronary artery disease.

Atherosclerotic plaque is composed of living cells such as macrophage foam cells, monocytes, and smooth muscle cells, as well as cholesterol (crystals) and extracellular matrix. Macrophage foam cells develop when physiological macrophages accumulate and store LDL-cholesterol and cell debris. These macrophage foam cells release inflammatory factors (cytokines) which are thought to exacerbate the atherosclerotic lesions.

For a review of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and other conditions please visit the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.