Arterial wall shear stress

Arterial wall shear stress is the force exerted by blood flow as it moves along the inner walls of our arteries. When blood flows smoothly, shear stress helps maintain healthy blood vessel function. However, if blood flow is turbulent or uneven, shear stress can become abnormal, potentially damaging the arterial walls and contributing to conditions like atherosclerosis. It’s an important factor in cardiovascular health, influencing how arteries adapt or develop disease in response to different flow patterns and pressures.