Insights into the relationship of fatty streaks to raised atherosclerotic lesions provided by the hemorheologic-hemodynamic theory of atherogenesis

Abstract 

The hemorheologic-hemodynamic theory of atherogenesis suggests that atherosclerosis is a disease of low shear, which prolongs the residence time of atherogenic particles on the endothelium. Prolonged residence of lipid-rich particles results in a fatty streak. Prolonged residence of platelet microthrombi results in a raised lesion (atherosclerotic plaque). Thus, fatty streak and raised lesion development are independent processes. In contrast, received wisdom holds that fatty streaks are the precursors to raised lesions. The author examines anatomic and risk factor data for fatty streaks and raised lesions, including the results of the recent multicenter Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth study, in light of these two theories.

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