What is the Difference Between Calcified and Noncalcified Plaque?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between calcified and noncalcified plaque lies in their composition, stability, and potential impact on cardiovascular health.
- Noncalcified plaque: These plaques are more metabolically active than heavily calcified plaques and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. They can still cause a rupture or blockage in the arteries if left untreated. Noncalcified plaques are more prevalent in individuals under 55 years of age.
- Calcified plaque: These plaques are more stable than noncalcified and low-density noncalcified plaques, making them less likely to cause a rupture or blockage. Calcification of coronary artery plaques has been considered as a marker of plaque stability.
In summary, calcified plaques are generally more stable and less likely to cause issues, while noncalcified plaques are more metabolically active and pose a higher risk for cardiovascular events. Both types of plaques can be present in arteries, and their composition can change over time.
Comparative Table: Calcified vs Noncalcified Plaque
Here is a table comparing the differences between calcified and noncalcified plaque:
Feature | Calcified Plaque | Noncalcified Plaque |
---|---|---|
Definition | A plaque that contains calcium and builds up inside the arteries. | A plaque that does not contain calcium. |
Prevalence | Less prevalent than noncalcified plaques. | More prevalent than calcified plaques. |
Composition | Contains calcium. | Does not contain calcium. |
Risk Factors | Associated with multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. | Associated with multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. |
Diagnosis | Can be diagnosed through imaging studies. | Can be diagnosed through imaging studies. |
Formation | Forms due to thickening or hardening of the arteries. | Forms due to thickening or hardening of the arteries. |
Control | The formation of these plaques can be controlled by lifestyle modification. | The formation of these plaques can be controlled by lifestyle modification. |
Both calcified and noncalcified plaques are waxy substances consisting of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, waste products from cells, and blood clotting material (fibrin). They can lead to an increase in the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
- Calcification vs Ossification
- Plaque vs Tartar
- Materia Alba vs Plaque
- Atheroma vs Atherosclerosis
- Dystrophic vs Metastatic Calcification
- Arteriosclerosis vs Atherosclerosis
- Atheroma vs Thrombus
- Plaque Psoriasis vs Psoriasis
- Calcium vs Calcium Carbonate
- Non-HDL Cholesterol vs LDL Cholesterol
- Coronary Artery Disease vs Atherosclerosis
- Amyloid Plaques vs Neurofibrillary Tangles
- Calcium Carbonate vs Calcium Citrate
- Carbonate vs Non-Carbonate Hardness
- Fasting vs Nonfasting Cholesterol
- Cellular vs Acellular Cementum
- Caseating vs Noncaseating Granuloma
- Keratinized vs Nonkeratinized Epithelium
- Calcite vs Quartz