Atherosclerosis By George Thanassoulis, MD, MSc, McGill University; Haya Aziz, MD, McGill University Reviewed / Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Risk Factors Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Artery: Cross Section Cardiovascular Risk Assessment... Atherosclerotic Plaque Atherosclerotic Plaque in... Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is characterized by patchy intimal plaques (atheromas) that encroach on the lumen of medium-sized and large arteries.