الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The unstable atherosclerotic plaque is a major problem in contemporary cardiology. It causes the abrupt development of unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and probably acute cerebrovascular accidents in many patients without prior warning of its presence. It is very important that we develop the insights related to mechanisms of development, the methods to detect, and protective therapies that prevent ulceration and fissuring of unstable plaques and their contri¬bution to the progression of atherosclerosis. Until recently very little was known about plaque rupture. Inflamma¬tion has been identified as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of plaque rupture. Infectious agents have been identified in atherosclerotic plaque and are proposed as one possible initiator of the inflammatory response. A vulnerable plaque is a ‘‘time bomb’’ with potential catastrophic consequences. To avoid or at least delay plaque rupture by developing appropriate preventive strategies is essential in reducing the incidence and mortality of coronary syndromes.