The Influence of Primary Atherosclerotic Diseases on the Occurrence of Secondary Disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process in which the accumulation of cholesterol-laden plaque restricts blood flowin the arterial vasculature. The occlusion of arteries by expanding plaque or emboli from plaque rupture or erosion underlies a variety of cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Although cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in high-income countries, an epidemiological shift has occurred in recent decades., Improvements in vaccination and treatment of infectious diseases have [...]