The role of atheromatous plaque rupture in the genesis of myocardial infarction.

UNLABELLED

The rupture of advanced atheromatous plaques initiates a significant number of cases of coronary artery thrombosis and subsequent myocardial infarction.

HYPOTHESIS

The range of outcomes following plaque rupture is determined to a large extent by the interaction between the turbulent arterial stream and the visco-elastic properties of the extruded atheromatous material. Thrombosis is a secondary event. Research into the visco-elastic behaviour of atheromatous material may predict predisposition to myocardial infarction.