What is the term for the condition that occurs from endothelial dysfunction and the formation of a fibrous cap?

The condition characterized by endothelial dysfunction and the formation of a fibrous cap is known as atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerosis occurs when the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, becomes damaged due to various risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or smoking. This damage leads to the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, and other substances in the vessel wall. Over time, this buildup forms a fibrous cap over the lipid-rich core, resulting in a stable plaque.

These plaques can restrict blood flow and may also rupture, leading to acute cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction or stroke. The presence of a fibrous cap is a critical aspect of plaque stability; thicker fibrous caps are associated with a lower risk of rupture, while thinner caps can lead to more serious complications.

Other options refer to different conditions that do not specifically relate to endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation. For instance, cirrhosis is a liver condition often resulting from chronic liver disease, cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle, and an aneurysm is a localized dilation of a blood vessel wall that typically does not involve the formation of a fibrous cap related to atherosclerosis. Thus, atherosclerotic plaque is the correct term