Rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque initiates the formation of an occlusive thrombus. Plaque disruption causes exposure of thrombogenic collagen and atheromatous debris to the luminal blood. The resulting thrombus is composed of platelets, fibrin and red blood cells. It is the formation of a thrombus that precipitates most episodes of acute coronary syndromes.
Atherosclerosis → plaque formation
Atherosclerosis results in plaque formation. It is caused by smooth muscle cell proliferation and the accumulation of cholesterol, collagen, elastic fibers and connective tissue.