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Plaque Inflammation

Meaning

Plaque Inflammation refers to the active, chronic inflammatory process occurring within the core structure of an atherosclerotic plaque, the lipid-rich deposit that forms inside the arterial wall. This is a crucial pathological stage characterized by the continuous infiltration and activation of immune cells, primarily macrophages and T-lymphocytes, within the plaque. Chronic inflammation destabilizes the protective fibrous cap covering the plaque, making it prone to rupture, which is the immediate cause of acute cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke. Hormonal status, particularly estrogen levels, can significantly modulate this inflammatory response.