Arterial Wall Disease and Stroke Prevention (Cerebrovascular Diseases) by Julien Bogousslavsky

Endothelial dysfunction and changes in arterial wall morphology including thickening of the tunica intima, excess synthesis of collagenous matrix (fibroblastic intimal thickening) and permanent or dynamic deposition of lipids (fatty streaks) already occur in childhood or adolescence. Definite atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries usually do not manifest themselves before menopause in women or age 40 in men. Obviously, cumulative (long-term) and excessive exposure of the vessel wall to risk factors is required to overcome highly effective defense mechanisms which have not yet been fully investigated.