Coronary Atherosclerosis and Interventional Cardiology

Abstract

The atherosclerotic process in coronary arteries begins with endothelial dysfunction and may provoke thrombotic total occlusion and myocardial infarction. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss recent evidence of atheroslerosis, vulnerable plaque, and hemodynamic changes in the coronary tree, as well as the current techniques we implement in the catheterization lab to evaluate coronary stenosis. It is clear that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition with several consequences in the coronary tree, however, we are able now to characterize the plaque and to select the appropriate treatment for many patients.

Keywords: Coronary atherosclerosis; Coronary stenosis; Hemodynamics changes; Interventional cardiology; Vulnerable plaque.