cardiovascular disorders
Atherosclerosis
Key Points
Risk factors for atherosclerosis include dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, family history, and psychosocial factors. Unstable plaques often cause < 50% stenosis, yet are more prone to rupture and cause acute thrombosis or embolic phenomena than are larger, stable plaques. In asymptomatic patients, imaging tests to detect atherosclerosis probably do not help predict ischemic events better than standard assessment of risk factors. Stopping smoking, exercising, eating a diet low in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates and high in fiber and possibly consuming omega-3 fatty acids and moderate amounts of alcohol help in prevention and treatment. Antiplatelet drugs and, depending on patient factors, statins and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors also are helpful. 