In the Injury Theory, it's damage to the arterial endothelium, followed by platelet activation, then smooth muscle cell migration to injury, then macrophages, with resulting "foam cells." Engorged foam cells burst, starting the injury cycle all over again
In much of the world (but not in the U.S.,) drug-coated stents are avoided by cardiologists because of their high cost. To compensate for the inability to use these stents, many cardiologists outside of the U.S. have taken to administering sirolimus (also
Electron Beam CT, or EBCT scans (formerly called ultrafast CT scans) are useful in detecting the presence of calcium deposits in the lining of the coronary arteries. The presence of calcium deposits is a strong indicator that coronary artery disease is al
Statins have pleiotropic effects: anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antithrombotic, and vascular activity, & may improve left ventricular myocardial function & left ventricular diastolic function by increasing vascular elasticity.
M. Brede, K. Hadamek, L. Meinel, F. Wiesmann, J. Peters, S. Engelhardt, A. Simm, A. Haase, M. Lohse, and L. Hein. Circulation, 104 (21):
2602-7(November 2001)Brede, M Hadamek, K Meinel, L Wiesmann, F Peters, J Engelhardt, S
Simm, A Haase, A Lohse, M J Hein, L In Vitro Research Support, Non-U.S.
Gov't United States Circulation Circulation. 2001 Nov 20;104(21):2602-7..