Unstable plaques are dangerous because they:

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Question: Unstable plaques are dangerous because they:

Option a: Lower blood pressure. While blood pressure can be influenced by various cardiovascular factors, unstable plaques themselves do not inherently cause a drop in blood pressure. The danger from unstable plaques is related to their potential to trigger acute events rather than directly lowering blood pressure.

Option b: Can rupture and cause clots. This statement captures a core risk of unstable plaque: rupture can expose thrombogenic material, leading to clot formation which can acutely obstruct blood flow. This mechanism is a primary reason unstable plaques are considered dangerous in the vascular system.

Option c: Harden arteries. Plaque buildup can contribute to arterial hardening (arteriosclerosis), but the phrasing “unstable plaques” emphasizes the instability and rupture risk rather than the process of hardening itself. Hardened arteries may accompany plaques, but instability is the key hazard.

Option d: Increase HDL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good cholesterol” and is generally protective; unstable plaques do not increase HDL levels. This option misstates the relationship between plaque stability and HDL.

In summary, option b correctly identifies the dangerous attribute of unstable plaques — their potential to rupture and form clots — which can lead to acute vascular occlusion. The other options describe effects that are not the defining danger of plaque instability or are contrary to established physiology. The reasoning shows why each alternative is less accurate in describing why unstable plaques are dangerous.

Unstable plaques are dangerous because they:

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