If a plaque ruptures it will expose sub-endothelial tissue to blood cells and in so doing stimulate the formation of a clot. The clot is the body's attempt to seal off the crack but the clot itself can cause further obstruction to blood flow. This sudden increase in the blockage caused by the raised ruptured plaque and associated clot can transform a mild blockage into a critical one within a matter of hours. If it occurs within the blood vessels of the heart, the decrease in blood flow leads to severe and prolonged chest pain known as unstable angina. Such a patient is at obvious risk for a myocardial infarct should the blockage become any worse.
Atherosclerosis typically begins in early adolescence, and is found in most major arteries but since it is asymptomatic during the early half of life we need cardiovascualr risk markers to help assess patient risk. If an at-risk patient is identified early, the hope is that medication, lifestyle changes or medical procedures can be used to avert a serious cardiovascular event. So, although the vast majority of us have some degree of atherosclerosis, risk markers can help identify those among us who are in more imminent danger or who have increased risk of an adverse cardiovascular event.
