Atherosclerotic plaque regression: fact or fiction?
Coronary artery disease is the major cause of death in the western world. The formation and rapid progression of atheromatous plaques can lead to serious cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis. The better understanding, in recent years, of the mechanisms leading to atheromatous plaque growth and disruption and the availability of powerful HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors (statins) has permitted the consideration of plaque regression as a realistic therapeutic goal. This article reviews the existing evidence underpinning current therapeutic strategies aimed at achieving atherosclerotic plaque regression. In this review we also discuss imaging modalities for the assessment of plaque regression, predictors of regression and whether plaque regression is associated with a survival benefit.
Shanmugam
Nesan
N
Division of Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
Román-Rego
Ana
A
Ong
Peter
P
Kaski
Juan Carlos
JC
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL