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Figure 1 Association of Altered Arterial Function and Structure With Cardiovascular Events

Functional and structural abnormalities in the arterial wall caused by conventional, novel, and genetic risk factors promote the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Functional abnormalities in the arterial wall may favor progression of nonobstructive plaques to more advanced, flow-limiting lesions. Additionally, such changes may increase the propensity of atherosclerotic plaque to fissuring and rupture, thereby precipitating acute cardiovascular events.