The earliest lesions of arteriosclerosis

Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The earliest lesion of atherosclerosis is the formation of lipid spots and streaks. The so-called lipid spots are small yellow dots that appear on the arterial intima. Under pathological observation, these are small areas of macrophages containing lipid droplets, forming a cluster of foam cells. As this small yellow dot develops, it gradually turns into a yellow streak made up of layers of macrophages containing lipids. The intima also comprises smooth muscle cells and lipids, as well as an infiltration of T cells, resembling a yellow streak on the intima.

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Atherosclerosis is a very common disease in daily life. Many patients, after being diagnosed with atherosclerosis, often ask doctors "Can my atherosclerosis be cured?" The answer is no, as atherosclerosis cannot be completely cured. However, this does not mean that atherosclerosis is untreatable. From a medical perspective, controlling blood pressure, lipids, and blood sugar, maintaining good lifestyle habits, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, controlling weight, and following a doctor's guidance to properly take medications can effectively control the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.

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What medicine is used for arteriosclerosis?

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The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is the most common and most important among a group of vascular diseases called arteriosclerosis. The common characteristics of various arteriosclerosis include thickening, hardening, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the arterial walls. The characteristic of arteriosclerosis is that the affected arterial lesions start from the intima, with various lesions coexisting, including local accumulation of papyraceous and complex carbohydrates, proliferation of fibrous tissue, and formation of plaques due to calcification, along with gradual degradation of the arterial media. Secondary lesions include intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque rupture, and local thrombosis formation. Modern cellular and molecular biology techniques show that arteriosclerotic lesions are characterized by migration of macrophages, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and abundant formation of fibrous, collagen, elastic fibers, and proteoglycans as connective tissue matrices, as well as intra- and extracellular lipid accumulation. Because the lipid accumulation in the intima appears yellow and mushy, it is called arteriosclerosis. Although arteriosclerosis is only one type of arteriosclerosis, it is commonly referred to simply as arteriosclerosis due to its frequent occurrence and significant clinical relevance.

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Is coronary arteriosclerosis serious?

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Can arteriosclerosis be cured?

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