“A Study of Atherosclerosis of Right Coronary Artery and Thoracic Aorta in Post Mortem Cases”

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease which primarily affects the intima of large and medium sized muscular arteries, commonly involving aorta, coronary arteries and cerebral arteries. The contribution of atherosclerosis in morbidity and mortality of young adults is on the rise. Objective: To demonstrate histopathological spectrum of atherosclerotic lesions in Right Coronary Artery and Thoracic aorta and to compare the age, gender and BMI variation in prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions. 150 specime Materials And Methods: ns of heart with intact coronary arteries and thoracic aorta received by Department of pathology, Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga. Heart was grossly examined and sections were taken from Right Coronary Artery and Thoracic Aorta which were processed and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Microscopically typing of the atherosclerotic lesion was made using American Heart Association classication of atherosclerosis. Of the Results: 150 cases, males 91% and females 9% were affected. Majority of the cases were in the age group of 30-40 years (33.33%) and BMI range of 18.6- 24.9 (72.67%). Commonest type of atherosclerosis in Right coronary artery was type 5 (Fibroatheroma) (25.33%) and in Thoracic aorta was type 3 (Preatheroma) (30%). Grade 1 Luminal narrowing (1-25% obstruction) was most commonly seen in Right coronary Artery (50% cases). Conclusion: Due to increase in cardiac death rates screening of cardiovascular risk factors, preventive measures, life style modication and having healthy dietary habits should be implemented early in 3rd decades of young Indians to retard the progression of atherosclerosis.