ETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease (IHD) represent one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine and are among the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a chronic pathological process characterized by the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, calcium, and connective tissue elements within the arterial walls, leading to narrowing of the vascular lumen and reduced arterial elasticity.