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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Atheroma and Thrombus?

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The main difference between atheroma and thrombus is that atheroma is a fatty material that builds up inside the arteries, while a thrombus is a blood clot that forms in the arteries or veins. Both atheroma and thrombus can disrupt blood flow and potentially lead to a range of circulatory disorders, including heart disease.

Atheroma is formed due to damage in the inner lining of the arteries, and it is a substance that builds up in the arteries. Atheromas can form anywhere in the arteries but are more likely to form near branch points or intersections. They can lead to complications like heart attacks or strokes.

On the other hand, a thrombus is a blood clot that forms due to the deregulation of the clotting process. Thrombi can also lead to life-threatening consequences, such as thromboembolism, where the clot breaks up and travels in the bloodstream.

In summary, atheroma is a fatty material that builds up inside the arteries, while a thrombus is a blood clot that forms in the arteries or veins. Both can disrupt blood flow and lead to circulatory disorders, but they have different compositions and formation processes.

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  • What is the Difference Between Atheroma and Thrombus?
  • Comparative Table: Atheroma vs Thrombus

    • Comparative Table: Atheroma vs Thrombus

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between atheroma and thrombus:

    Feature Atheroma Thrombus
    Definition Atheroma is a fatty material that builds up inside the arteries. A thrombus is a blood clot that builds up in the arteries or veins.
    Formation Atheroma is formed due to damage in the inner lining of the arteries. Thrombus is formed due to the deregulation of the clotting process.
    Composition Atheroma consists mainly of lipid in foam cells, smooth muscle cells, and a fibrin cap. Thrombus is composed of coagulated blood.
    Location Atheroma builds up in the arteries. Thrombus builds up in the arteries or veins.
    Effect on Blood Flow Atheroma can cause a disruption in normal blood flow in the circulatory system. Thrombus can cause a disruption in normal blood flow in the circulatory system.
    Symptoms Atheroma may present with chest pain and swelling. Thrombus may present with chest pain and swelling.
    Diagnosis Atheroma can be diagnosed through imaging scanning. Thrombus can be diagnosed through imaging scanning.
    Treatment Atheroma can be treated through medications and surgeries. Thrombus can be treated through medications and surgeries.

    Both atheroma and thrombus are deposits that can build up in the circulatory system, disrupting blood flow and potentially leading to a range of circulatory disorders and life-threatening complications such as heart disease.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.