Objectives: Ischemic heart disease resulting from atherosclerosis of coronary arteries is the most common fatal cardiac disease found in autopsies. With increase in incidence of coronary heart diseases it became challenging in India. The study was designed to assess the histomorphological atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries at autopsy and to find out the age and sex related prevalence of atherosclerosis in population of Patna, Bihar a district in North India. This study will help in collecting baseline information of prevalence of such lesions which will help in framing health care programs to prevent the formation of these lesions.

Methods: In the present study, a total of 125 cases were autopsied to study and grade atherosclerotic lesions in the coronaries. Slides were prepared by sections of these specimens and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination.

Results: Among 125 studied specimens (98 males and 27 females) atherosclerotic lesions was found in 83.20% cases. It was observed in 83.67% of the male and 81.48% of female specimens. Significant atheroma was detected in 49.03% Cases. Commonest type of atherosclerosis seen was grade 3. The most frequently involved branch was left anterior descending artery. Relative frequency of lesions increased with age.

Conclusions: With high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, the study of subclinical atherosclerosis is the need of the day to estimate the disease burden in the hidden portion of iceberg which are symptom free. In this study atherosclerotic lesions was observed in very young population which may be an indication that there is need of implementation of anti atherogenic preventive measures in young individuals. It also highlights the importance of cardiovascular risk factors screening from early ages.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Coronary arteries, Autopsy, American Heart Association classification.

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Aman Kumar

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