Systemic Pathology by Organ · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following is a major mechanism by which atherosclerosis leads to ischemic heart disease?

  1. Mural thrombosis occurring without any plaque
  2. Intimal thickening from smooth muscle hyperplasia only
  3. Lipid-cored plaque narrowing the arterial lumen
  4. Destruction of the media without luminal narrowing
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Correct answer: Lipid-cored plaque narrowing the arterial lumen

Atherosclerosis forms a plaque with a lipid core and fibrous cap that progressively narrows the arterial lumen, reducing coronary flow and causing ischemia.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 19

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