How Hemodynamic Forces in the Human Affect the Topography and Development of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to address two questions regarding the role of hemodynamic forces in the atherosclerotic process. The first, relates to the influence of hemodynamics on atherosclerotic development, i.e., what is the response, particularly the pathologic response, of the vessel wall to its hemodynamic environment? The second, is related to hemodynamic influences on the topography of atherosclerosis, i.e., what is the distribution of hemodynamic variables, particularly those that might have an adverse effect on the vessel wall? Consistent with the purpose of this meeting, both of these questions will be addressed with as much emphasis as possible on the human lesion. As charged, I will discuss what we know about the answers to these two questions, why we do not know more, and what it is that we need to be able to do to fill the gaps in our knowledge.