Several factors can induce vascular changes, including:
1. Inflammation Chronic inflammation leads to the recruitment of immune cells and the release of cytokines, which can damage the endothelium and stimulate ECM remodeling.
2. Hyperlipidemia Elevated levels of lipids in the blood can contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, characterized by lipid accumulation, endothelial dysfunction, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
3. Hypertension High blood pressure exerts mechanical stress on blood vessels, leading to smooth muscle hypertrophy and ECM deposition, resulting in vessel wall thickening.
