Atheroma is the fatty material that accumulates within the inner wall (intima) of an artery, forming an atherosclerotic plaque. It consists of lipid deposits, cholesterol crystals, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrous tissue. The term comes from the Greek word for porridge, reflecting the soft, lipid-rich content of early plaques.
Atheroma develops through a process that begins with injury or dysfunction of the arterial endothelium (inner lining), triggered by risk factors including high LDL cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. LDL particles accumulate in the arterial wall and are oxidised, triggering an inflammatory response and foam cell formation. Over time, a fibrous cap develops over a lipid-rich core, producing the mature atherosclerotic plaque.
Atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries can narrow the lumen and restrict blood flow, causing angina. More critically, plaque rupture triggers acute thrombosis (blood clot formation) that can completely block the artery, causing myocardial infarction and potentially sudden cardiac arrest. The same process affects arteries throughout the body, contributing to stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
Treatment with statins reduces cardiovascular risk by lowering LDL cholesterol and stabilising plaques. Lifestyle modification (exercise, diet, smoking cessation) slows plaque progression. For detailed information see Atherosclerotic Plaque.
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