Coronary atherosclerosis: where are we now?

An attempt is made to present and summarize recent results in atherosclerosis research which may aid to a better understanding of atherogenesis, progression of atherosclerotic lesions and occurrence of myocardial ischemia. Based on selected data from the available literature and the authors' experience, the review focuses the attention on: the atherogenic role of hemodynamic stresses; the onset and fate of early coronary atherosclerotic lesions; the development of lesions of possible clinical significance; the concept of "critical stenosis"; the view that atherosclerosis is a hyperplastic and/or neoplastic disease.