Atherosclerosis (ATH)

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease initiated by the accumulation of LDL-derived cholesterol on the arterial inner surface.

In the breed Korat, a genetic variant of the LDLR gene is associated with spontaneous atherosclerosis, characterized by severe hypercholesterolemia (high levels of cholesterol in the blood) and clinical signs of congestive heart failure, ultimately leading to death. Histopathological examination revealed atherosclerotic lesions, especially in large elastic arteries and coronary arteries. There is evidence that endothelial disruption may predispose affected cats to thrombosis.

Clinical signs of atherosclerosis appear not until middle and advanced ages, since affected cats experience a silent progression of the disease over several years.