Thrombosis

Atheromas may rupture damaging the endothelium The damage releases clotting factors that activate a cascade or reactions resulting in the conversion of the enzyme prothrombin to its active form thrombin

Thrombin causes molecules of the plasma protein fibrinogen to form threads of fibrin The fibrin threads form a mesh work that clots the blood, seals the wound and provides a scaffold for the formation of scar tissue

The formation of a clot (thrombus) is referred to as thrombosis In some cases a thrombus may break loose forming an embolus which travels through the bloodstream until it blocks a blood vessel

A thrombosis in a coronary artery may lead to a myocardial (MI) commonly known as a heart attack A thrombosis in an artery in the brain may lead to a stroke Cells are deprived of oxygen leading to death of the tissues