Atherosclerosis and its pathological complications are the major causes of death in men and women over the age of 60. While the clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis typically occur in middle-aged and older adults, the atherosclerotic process itself begins in childhood, and in some cases even in the fetal stage (Napoli et al. 1997). It progresses with age, eventually leading to conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, aortic aneurysm, and occlusive peripheral arterial disease.