Risk factors and their role in the diseases of the arterial wall.
The leading cause of death and disability in developed nations is atherosclerosis. Multiple risk factors, including hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, predispose to the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms by which these risk factors exacerbate atherosclerosis involve the potentiation of endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction as well as disturbances in coagulation. These mechanisms are discussed in detail in this chapter. Understanding the pathophysiology of how risk factors accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis will aid the clinician in attempts to treat the atherosclerotic patient.
Department of Surgery, The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA.
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D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology