The findings were published in the Oct. 27 issue of the American Heart Association journal Circulation . The research findings were published in the Oct. 27 issue of the American Heart Association journal Circulation, and are being discussed this week at the American Heart Association meeting in Dallas, Texas. Using technology called near-infrared spectroscopy, the team of UK researchers has identified vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in samples of human aortic tissue. Plaque is the material composed of cholesterol and other fatty substances that contribute to atherosclerosis, the process in which the heart's arteries become choked, narrowing the vessel and reducing blood flow.
Most people have plaques in their blood vessels.
Scientists such as the UK team are trying to find a way to determine which plaques are harmful and which are benign. A fibrous cap typically covers plaques, but the thinner the cap, the more susceptible the plaque is to rupturing, causing a heart attack or stroke. One of the goals of the center is to facilitate such interdisciplinary research advances. Near-infrared spectroscopy identifies the composition of different substances according to their light absorption and has been in commercial use to grade the amount of fat in food.