Reduced amounts of elastic fibers as we age causes plaque build-up

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It is defect of elastic fiber fragmentation in arterial wall and not hypertension and arterial stiffness that leads to plaque accumulation as we age

Medical professionals have long known that the buildup of plaque in arteries can cause them to narrow and harden, potentially leading to a whole host of health problems—including heart attack, heart disease and stroke. While high blood pressure and artery stiffness are often associated with plaque buildup, new research from engineers at Washington University in St. Louis shows they are not the direct causes.

The team suggests a new culprit: fragmentation of elastic fibers within the arterial wall. The findings, recently published online in the journal Atherosclerosis, could change the scope of heart disease detection and treatment for millions of Americans.

“Our surprising results suggest that treating patients for hypertension and arterial stiffness may have no effect on plaque buildup because we are not treating the…

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