The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease remains the world's leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The myriad of environmental risk factors and predisposing genes leads to a complex multifactorial disease process characterized by a fibro-proliferative and inflammatory process. This results in activation of cytokines, growth factors and vasoregulatory mechanisms, and leads to intimal thickening and ultimately luminal obstruction. Progressive luminal obstruction or acute rupture of the atherosclerotic lesion can lead to devastating complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke and death.