An overview of arteriosclerosis and surgical considerations of coronary arteriosclerosis

Abstract

In the western civilisation arteriosclerosis has become the major cause of death, accounting for approximately 65% of all deaths. In recent years it has increased in almost epidemic proportions. Studies have shown that the disease process is initiated early in teenage life and progresses insidiously thereafter to produce extensive morbidity and death in later life due to ischaemic damage to the myocardium, brain, lower limbs and viscera. The aetiology is multifocal and has strong social implications. The financially richer a society becomes the greater is the development of arteriosclerosis.