Arterial wall and plaque

The arterial wall is a specialized, multi-layered tissue structure composed of the intima, media, and adventitia, which functions to regulate hemodynamics and maintain vascular health (Source: StatPearls, 'Physiology, Blood Pressure'). An atherosclerotic plaque is a focal pathological lesion within the arterial wall characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol, fibrous elements, and inflammatory cells such as macrophages (Source: NIH, 'Atherosclerosis'). While 'Arterial wall and plaque' is an anatomical and pathological site rather than a single molecular target, it is the central focus of intervention for cardiovascular diseases. Therapeutic strategies, including the use of statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, aim to modify the plaque's composition to reduce the lipid-rich necrotic core and strengthen the fibrous cap (Source: Nature Reviews Cardiology, 'Plaque stabilization'). This process, known as plaque stabilization, is critical for preventing clinical events such as myocardial infarction and stroke caused by plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis.

Other names

Atherosclerotic plaqueAtheromaVascular wallArterial intimaVulnerable plaque

Drugs targeting the arterial wall and plaque typically function by lowering systemic lipid levels, reducing vascular inflammation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, or stabilizing the fibrous cap to prevent lesion rupture (Source: Nature Reviews Cardiology, 'Plaque stabilization').