[Wall shear stress in carotid artery and its role in the development of atherosclerosis].

Atherosclerosis is associated with systemic risk factors such as arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking. Yet it is a focal disease, predominantly affecting predisposed areas. The principal local hemodynamic factor is wall shear stress, i.e. the frictional force acting tangentially on the endothelial cell surface. The effect of wall shear stress on the endothelium depends on its magnitude and direction, as well as on the local vessel geometry and blood flow characteristics. Wall shear stress is an important determinant of endothelial function and phenotype. The article deals with the influence of wall shear stress on endothelial cell function, atherosclerotic plaque formation, and vascular remodelling in the common carotid artery.