A B S T RA C T
Background: Cardiovascular diseases leading to atherosclerosis are rapidly increasing in Indian population. This study was formulated to assess histomorphological atherosclerotic changes in aorta and coronary arteries and grading of lesions according to American Heart Association Classification (AHA). Materials and Methods: 57 heart specimens received for autopsy study were included in the study. Hearts were fixed in 10% formalin and dissected. They were examined grossly for atherosclerotic lesions in aorta and coronary arteries and subsequent microscopic sections were studied and graded according to AHA classification. Results: 44(77%) cases belonged to male and 13(23%) cases belonged to female. 16(28%) cases were seen in third decade followed by 14(24.6%) and 9(15.8%) in second and fourth decades respectively. Majority of atherosclerotic lesions were noted in aorta (25) followed by LAD (10). Maximum number of lesions were in grade II with 15(26.3%) cases followed by grade IV and grade III with 13(22.8%) and 10(17.5%) cases each respectively. Conclusion: Atherosclerotic lesions are rapidly increasing among younger population. Screening programs and preventive measures if implemented early can prevent these lesions and it’s complications