Finite element modeling of atherosclerotic plaque

2-D mathematical models of the coronary walls have been developed based on actual plaque morphology from a multi-center study of coronary disease (Pathological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youths, PDAY). The probability of lipid maps were used to define a typical lesion's physical dimensions for four age ranges. Under physiological loading from intra-arterial pressure, the resulting intramural stress distributions were quantified as a function of patient age. The area of highest stress in the 15-19 year group was shifted from the healthy wall opposite the lesion to the area where the normal intima is adjacent to the plaque cap and increased with age. The age related development of atherosclerosis leads to a predictable increase in localized wall stress, which may predispose a plaque to rupture.<>