This graphic demonstrates the stages of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis results in the narrowing of the blood vessels secondary to plaque formation. Plaque formation results as the endothelial cells that line the blood vessel wall are damaged and become dysfunctional because of cholesterol accumulation and inflammation. If this process goes unchecked, the plaque ruptures, and a thrombosis (clot) forms at the site of the plaque rupture. This can result in decreased blood flow (ischemia) or loss of blood flow and tissue death (infarction). It is important to understand the difference between ischemia and infarction.
- Ischemia of the brain is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini stroke.
- Infarction of the brain is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as a stroke.
- Ischemia of the coronary arteries (arteries surrounding the heart that supply the heart muscle with oxygen) is coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemic heart disease.
- Infarction of the heart muscle is a myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack.
