|
Study links atherosclerosis to autoimmune disease criteria
A new study in mice and patients shows that atherosclerosis meets the criteria for an autoimmune disease. The news highlights updated scientific evidence about atherosclerosis and its disease classification.
Atherosclerosis:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Atherosclerosis comprises plaque buildup inside arteries. |
| Arteries | Arteries comprise blood vessels for oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues throughout the body. |
| Plaque | Plaque comprises cholesterol, fat, blood cells, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. |
| Progression | Plaque buildup comprises plaque hardening and artery narrowing, with limited flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body. |
| Arteriosclerosis vs atherosclerosis | Arteriosclerosis comprises hardening of arteries with thickened and less flexible arteries, and atherosclerosis comprises plaque buildup as a common type of arteriosclerosis. |
| Cause | The exact cause comprises an unknown cause. |
| Possible contributors to artery damage | Artery damage comprises unhealthy lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and genes. |
| Coverage | Atherosclerosis applies to most arteries in the body. |
| Names based on arteries affected | Nomenclature comprises: coronary artery disease (CAD); peripheral artery disease (PAD); carotid artery disease; renal artery stenosis; vertebral artery disease; mesenteric artery ischemia. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms comprise: chest pain (angina); feeling confused due to limited blood flow to the brain; difficulty breathing; fatigue; limb pain where an artery is blocked; weak muscles. |
| Complications | Complications comprise blood clot formation after plaque burst, and outcomes comprising heart attack, stroke, vascular dementia, or limb loss. |
| Treatment | Treatment comprises a heart-healthy lifestyle and medicines. |