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Atherosclerosis constitutes the most common medical and surgical problem. This can be mani tested clinically as stroke, coronary artery disease, or peripheral vascular disease In the present review the microscopic appearance of the normal arterial wall, the definition of atherosclerosis and the five theories of atherogenesis are described. These are: the lipid theory, the hemodynamic theory, the florin incrustation theory, the nonspecific mesenchymal hypothesis and the response to injury hypothesis. Based on the above theories the sequence of events in athero genesis is analyzed The classification of the atherosclerotic lesions according to Stary (types I-VI) and their characteristics appear in a table. The epidemiology and the role of the following risk factors are presented in detail: age, sex, lipid abnormalities, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, obesity, and hemostatic factors. In addition, less common genetically determined associations like homocystinuria. Tangier disease. Hutchinson Gilford syndrome (progeria). Werner's syndrome, radiation induced atherosclerosis and the implications of Chlamydia pneumoniae on the arterial wall are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part III. Presents the management of and the role of several factors on stroke. Information regarding stroke; Discussion on thrombolysis, anticoagulant agents and prophylactic neuroprotection with pharmacologic agents; Relation with carotid endarterectomy, bypass surgery, carotid artery angioplasty and stenting; Treatment of cerebral hemorrhage; Means and possibilities of rehabilitation.

Part II. Provides facts on cerebrovascular disease. Description of pathogenetic and pathophysiologic aspects; Use of computed tomography; Identification of arterial stenosis by ultrasonic imaging; Purpose of an echocardiogram.

Part I. Focuses the epidemiology, clinical description and risk factors of stroke. Analysis of atheroma, carotid plaque echomorphology, carotid stenosis, ulcer, variations in surface deformability and dissection; Significance of cerebral collateral circulation; Conditions predisposing to cardioembolism and cerebral hemorrhage.