The coronary plaque burden represents an essential tool for evaluating coronary blood flow and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the concept of "coronary plaque burden" does not accurately reflect the complex pathological progression of coronary artery disease. In this review, various aspects of the total coronary atherosclerosis burden are present, including its mechanics, geometrical characteristics, plaque morphology, coronary artery calcium deposition, and coronary inflammation, to provide a complete view. Different tools used to evaluate the coronary atherosclerosis burden are also assessed according to the most recent studies. Compelling evidence is provided by our findings to advocate for a comprehensive use of the term "coronary atherosclerosis burden" .

The coronary plaque burden represents an essential tool for evaluating coronary blood flow and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the concept of "coronary plaque burden" does not accurately reflect the complex pathological progression of coronary artery disease. In this review, various aspects of the total coronary atherosclerosis burden are present, including its mechanics, geometrical characteristics, plaque morphology, coronary artery calcium deposition, and coronary inflammation, to provide a complete view. Different tools used to evaluate the coronary atherosclerosis burden are also assessed according to the most recent studies. Compelling evidence is provided by our findings to advocate for a comprehensive use of the term "coronary atherosclerosis burden" .

Objective To analyze the clinical features of takayasu's arteritis in elderly patients for improving their general management.Methods Twenty-six patients,aged over 60 years,with takayasu's arteritis were enrolled.The clinical manifestations and medical records were collected in detail and analyzed retrospectively.Results The mean age of the patients in our study was 64.0±3.8 years,four males and twenty-two females.Of all patients,nine were accompanied by coronary heart disease,seven by primary hypertension,four by diabetes mellitus,two by arrhythmia and one by subacute infective endocarditis.The frequent clinical manifestations were hypertension (n = 21,81%),dizzy (n=12.46%),chest pain (n=9,35%),pulselessness or weak pulse (n=7,27%).The clinical classification of this group showed brachiocephalic artery type (n = 8,30%),abdominal aorta type (n=4,15%),extensive type (n=11,58%) and pulmonary artery type (n=3,12%).Ten patients had elevated ESR level,six had elevated CRP level and fourteen had elevated ASO level.Two patients with diabetes mellitus died of serious complications.Conclusions Takayasu's arteritis in the elderly is usually accompanied by other cardiovascular diseases and risk factors.It is important to enhance the comprehensive treatment of these patients.