Progression and regression of atheroma.

Abstract

Normal human arteries accumulate lipid in the intima with increasing age. These lipids are laid down in proportion to their distribution in low-density lipoprotein, suggesting that they are derived from this source. With their accretion, the amount of cholesterol and its esters in the subintimal space increases significantly, leading to the development of insoluble crystals which are difficult to remove by any therapeutic intervention. It has been shown that treatment with a low-cholesterol diet combined with lipid-lowering drug treatment can halt progression of atherosclerotic lesions, but as yet ther is no conclusive evidence that consistent lesion regression is possible.