Journal of Heart and Cardiovascular Research

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Atherosclerosis Journals

Atherosclerosis is the result of hyperlipidemia and lipid oxidation and has always been a major cause of mortality in developed countries. It is a disease of vascular intima, in which all the vascular system from aorta to coronary arteries can be involved and is characterized by intimal plaques.

The term atherosclerosis is of Greek origin, meaning thickening of the intimal layer of arteries and accumulation of fat. Fatty material is located in the central core of the plaque, covered by fibrous cap. The term, atherosclerosis consists of two parts; atherosis (accumulation of fat accompanied by several macrophages) and sclerosis (fibrosis layer comprising smooth muscle cells [SMC], leukocyte, and connective tissue).

Currently, atherosclerosis is a common disease in which fatty deposits called atheromatous plaques appear in the inner layers of arteries. Formation of these plaques starts with the deposition of small cholesterol crystals in the intima and its underlying smooth muscle. Then the plaques grow with the proliferation of fibrous tissues and the surrounding smooth muscle and bulge inside the arteries and consequently reduce the blood flow. Connective tissue production by fibroblasts and deposition of calcium in the lesion cause sclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Finally, the uneven surface of the arteries results in clot formation and thrombosis, which leads to the sudden obstruction of blood flow.

Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia are related to increased oxidative damage, which affects antioxidant status and lipoprotein levels. Studies have shown that lipid lowering medicinal herbs can reduce the blood lipids especially after meals in addition to their antioxidant effects. Therefore, they can prevent atherosclerosis and vascular endothelium damage.

There are a couple of valuable review papers addressing the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to review the mechanism of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, focusing on new findings in atherosclerosis markers and its risk factors. Furthermore, the role of antioxidants and medicinal herbs in atherosclerosis and endothelial damage has been discussed and a list of important medicinal plants effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is presented.

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Citations : 34

Journal of Heart and Cardiovascular Research received 34 citations as per Google Scholar report

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