Atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications are the major cause of morbidity and
mortality in the industrialized world. The progression of atherosclerotic plaques in the
coronary circulation is dependent on several risk factors. It is now clear that plaque
composition is a major determinant of the risk of subsequent plaque rupture and
superimposed thrombosis. The vulnerability of plaques to rupture is further determined by
extrinsic triggering factors. Following rupture, the fatty core of the plaque and its high content …