Study of the spectral characteristics of plaques in the human arteries

Abstract

Atherosclerosis involves the deposition of lipids in the inner lining of arteries. The resulting build-up is known as plaque. Excessive plaque build-up gives rise to the narrowing of lumens of arteries and is the main cause of disability and death from heart diseases, cerebral infarctions and ischaemia of the limbs. Fatty streaks, or slightly raised yellowish areas, are almost invariably present in the aortas but their presence and extent do not generally correlate with future development of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, the incidence and extent of fatty streaks in the coronary arteries can represent the early stage of this disease. Hence, early detection of plaque in the coronary arteries is important, as the knowledge will allow preventive measures to be administered and inhibit the onset of atherosclerosis.