Aging Processes in the Arterial and Venous Systems of the Lower Extremities

Abstract

Wear and tear degenerative patterns of the arterial system of the lower extremities have been studied in an age series. The intensity of these alterations has been correlated with the distribution of the atheromatous plaques and thrombosis as well as with the effective tension at various levels as calculated by Burton's formula. Evidence is presented for the concept that the lipids in atheromatous plaques arise as a product of these degenerative reactions within the vessel wall, rather than by diffusion from the circulation through the endothelial barrier.