SMC, smooth-muscle cell. | |
Subclinical atherosclerosis | Early migration and proliferation of SMC5,8,9,10,11,12,13 |
Infiltration of leucocytes14 | |
Intimal thickening and growth of atherosclerotic lesions15,16 | |
Delay of flow-limiting stenosis by expansive remodelling of plaques17 | |
Clinical atherosclerosis | Carotid plaque instability18–23 |
Coronary plaque rupture6,24,25 | |
Development of aneurysms7,26–28 |