Question 1

What is the Meaning of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

Plaque stability refers to the structural integrity and resistance to rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque within an arterial wall. A stable plaque possesses features that reduce its likelihood of fracturing or eroding, preventing the subsequent formation of a thrombus that could obstruct blood flow.

Question 2

What is the Context of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon occurs primarily within the arterial vasculature, particularly in vessels prone to atherosclerosis, where lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation lead to plaque formation. It is a critical aspect of cardiovascular physiology, directly influencing the progression and acute manifestations of coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

Assessing plaque stability holds critical importance in predicting cardiovascular events, as stable plaques are less likely to dislodge or thrombose, thereby reducing the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Understanding this concept helps clinicians differentiate between chronic, less immediately threatening arterial narrowing and acutely dangerous lesions that demand urgent intervention.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

Plaque stability is primarily determined by its composition, notably the thickness of its fibrous cap, the size of its necrotic lipid core, and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. A robust fibrous cap composed of smooth muscle cells and collagen overlying a smaller, less inflammatory lipid core generally confers greater stability, resisting mechanical stress and enzymatic degradation.

Question 5

What is the Application of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

In clinical practice, understanding plaque stability guides therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing acute cardiovascular events. Lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins, and anti-inflammatory agents are often employed not only to reduce plaque burden but also to promote plaque stabilization by thickening the fibrous cap and reducing inflammation, thereby reducing patient risk.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

Plaque characteristics related to stability can be assessed through advanced imaging modalities such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Additionally, systemic biomarkers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) may provide insights into the inflammatory state that influences plaque vulnerability.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Plaque Stability?

Accepted Answer

A lack of plaque stability, characterized by a thin fibrous cap, a large necrotic core, or significant inflammatory cell infiltration, presents a significant clinical risk for acute thrombotic events. Rupture or erosion of an unstable plaque can lead to immediate vessel occlusion, resulting in conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or ischemic stroke, posing serious threats to patient health and requiring prompt medical attention.

Plaque Stability

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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