Fig. 1

Distribution of hemodynamic forces, i.e., pro-atherogenic OS and atheroprotective PS, in the aortic trees. Pro-atherogenic OS and atheroprotective PS are two types of hemodynamic forces to affect EC function or dysfunction. Pro-atherogenic OS develops in the atherosclerosis-susceptible regions of aortic tree, e.g., the inner curvatures of aortic arch; carotid bifurcations; branch points of the coronary, infrarenal, and femoral arteries; and aorto-renal branches. In contrast, atheroprotective PS occurs in the atherosclerosis-protective regions of aortic tree, e.g., descending thoracic aorta and distal straight renal artery. The athero-prone regions are labeled in the figure.: pro-atherogenic OS;: atheroprotective PS