What could potentially happen if plaque ruptures in an artery?

When plaque ruptures in an artery, it exposes the inner contents of the plaque to the bloodstream, triggering a series of events that can lead to the formation of a thrombus, or blood clot. This occurs because the body recognizes the exposed lipid core and other materials as a site of potential injury. In response, platelets are activated and aggregate at the site, leading to the formation of a clot. This thrombus can grow and may partially or completely obstruct blood flow in the affected artery.

The potential consequences of thrombus formation are significant and can include acute medical issues such as a heart attack or stroke, depending on the location of the rupture. Therefore, the formation of a thrombus as a result of plaque rupture is a critical and dangerous phenomenon in cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of managing cholesterol levels and other risk factors to prevent atherosclerosis and its complications.