The three stages of atherosclerosis are fatty streak formation, fibrous plaque development, and advanced lesions.
At the first stage, fatty streak formation occurs when cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in the walls of the artery, leading to a thickening of the artery wall and a decrease in the diameter of the artery. This accumulation of fatty material is often referred to as a “plaque”. This plaque narrows the artery lumen and impedes the flow of blood. In addition, this plaque can also cause inflammation in the artery wall, increasing the risk of clot formation and further narrowing the artery.
At the second stage of atherosclerosis, fibrous plaque development occurs. At this stage, the plaque becomes harder and more calcified as the body attempts to repair the damaged artery wall and reduce the risk of clot formation. The calcified plaque can grow in size, further narrowing the artery and reducing the amount of blood that can flow through it.
At the third stage, advanced lesions occur. These lesions are more severe than the fatty streaks and fibrous plaques that occur during the first two stages. Advanced lesions are characterized by large fatty deposits, calcified plaques, and areas of narrowing or blockages that can lead to a complete blockage of the artery. If left untreated, these advanced lesions can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
In conclusion, atherosclerosis progresses through three stages: fatty streak formation, fibrous plaque development, and advanced lesions. Each stage can lead to further narrowing of the arteries and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Therefore, it is important to get regular checkups to monitor the progression of atherosclerosis and to take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of a serious medical event.