​Pathology - Atherosclerosis

​Pathology - Atherosclerosis 
Atherosclerosis is a medical condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries.

Common risk factors for the condition include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high levels of LDL cholesterol, a positive family history, advanced age, being male, being postmenopausal for women, and having high levels of uric acid in the blood.
and the utilization of oral contraceptives.

Study of the nature and causes of diseases. 
The artery undergoes a progression from the buildup of fatty streaks (collections of lipid-laden foam cells in the inner layer) to the formation of proliferative plaques and ultimately to the development of complicated atheromas.
Atheroma refers to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries. The central core of cholesterol and foam cells, which are macrophages loaded with lipids, is surrounded by a fibrous cap. Atheromas, which are fatty deposits in the arterial wall, can become complicated by the formation of blood clots on top, ulceration, or calcification of the plaque. These atheromas are typically seen in elastic arteries and medium to large muscular arteries.

Symptoms and signs 
Frequently lacking symptoms: may manifest as angina or claudication (muscle discomfort during physical activity, alleviated by rest).
Complications including aneurysms, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, intestinal ischemia, renal artery ischemia, and peripheral vascular occlusive disease. and blood clots that form on top of a thrombus or on the plaque itself

Therapy 
Treatment options for reducing lipid levels include HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Additionally, smoking cessation and modifying risk factors such as controlling diabetes and blood pressure are recommended.
Xanthomas manifest as yellowish plaques or nodules on the skin. These structures consist of macrophages filled with lipids and are linked to high levels of cholesterol in the blood.