Skip to main content

Atherogenesis

Meaning

The intricate, progressive pathophysiological process involving the initiation and development of atheromatous plaques within the subendothelial layer of medium and large arteries, forming the basis of atherosclerosis. This chronic inflammatory vascular disease begins with endothelial injury and is characterized by the subintimal accumulation of oxidized lipoproteins, cholesterol crystals, and immune-derived foam cells. Atherogenesis is the primary mechanism leading to arterial stenosis, loss of vascular elasticity, and subsequent cardiovascular events.