A review on the mechanical characterization of human atherosclerotic plaque

Atherosclerosis poses a significant health burden globally, contributing to a major proportion of all deaths in westernised societies. Atherosclerosis involves deposition of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances on the inner walls of the artery, collectively called plaques, which finally manifests in various clinical forms, such as ischaemic heart disease and stroke. There have been consistent efforts to characterise and analyse the severity of plaques to devise comprehensive strategies targeting risk factors, early detection, and effective management. This article presents a broad overview of the mechanical characterisation of human atherosclerotic plaque, drawing from a diverse array of technical literature. The studies emphasise the importance of accurately assessing the mechanical behaviour of these plaques to better understand their pathophysiology and clinical implications. Advanced techniques, including experimental and computational hybrid approaches, provide insights into the complex mechanical properties of atherosclerotic plaques. In-silico analysis is found to be a valuable tool for investigating the mechanical behaviour of atherosclerotic tissues, particularly in plaques with softer fibrotic tissues. Overall, this review underscores the importance of advancing our understanding of the mechanical properties of human atherosclerotic plaque for improved risk stratification, patient management, and the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the burden of cardiovascular diseases.