University of Washington (UW) researchers have gathered evidence that dangerous plaques in blood vessels can rupture by overproducing protein-digesting enzymes.
Plaques are fat-laden rough spots in the otherwise smooth walls of arteries. When a
University of Washington (UW) researchers have gathered evidence that dangerous plaques in blood vessels can rupture by overproducing protein-digesting enzymes.
Plaques are fat-laden rough spots in the otherwise smooth walls of arteries. When a plaque ruptures, blood accumulates inside of it, a process known as plaque hemorrhage. The plaque enlarges and artery-blocking clots can form. If the flow of oxygen-rich blood is restricted, a heart attack, stroke, or damage to other organs can occur.
Most adults have some degree of plaque in their arteries. The condition, known as atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries," generally progresses with age. Not all plaques have a tendency to break open.
"Why plaques become