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Atherosclerosis Progression

Meaning

Atherosclerosis progression describes the chronic, gradual pathological process involving the thickening and hardening of arterial walls due to the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages, known as plaque, within the subendothelial space. This continuous development restricts blood flow and increases the risk of acute cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction or stroke. Hormonal factors, including estrogen status and thyroid function, profoundly influence the inflammatory and lipid metabolic pathways that drive this vascular deterioration.