EDITORIAL

Vulnerable Plaques: Detection, Natural History, and Treatment 

Mintz, Gary S.1

1Cardiovascular Research Foundation 

Heart and Circulation Research. 1(1):1-9, April 2026.

Abstract

Acute coronary syndromes are caused by plaque rupture, plaque erosion, eruptive calcified nodules, or spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Among these, plaque rupture with thrombosis is the most common mechanism; and a thin-capped fibroatheroma (TCFA) is the prototype of the rupture-prone, vulnerable plaque. 

Keywords

Plaque; Acute coronary syndrome; Percutaneous coronary intervention