Atherosclerosis is a disease of large and medium-sized arteries. It is an inevitable consequence of aging. The condition is so common that the entire adult population has at least early-stage lesions in the vascular system. However, the progression from these initial lesions to more severe pathological states depends on a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Advanced atherosclerosis is a risk factor for other cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) like myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke. Collectively, CVDs represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming an estimated 19.1 million lives in 2020. Despite extensive research over the past decades, our understanding of atherosclerosis progression is incomplete. 

The use of atherogenic mouse models has been invaluable for studying atherosclerosis, although they possess obvious limitations in mirroring all aspects of human disease. However, the field is advancing with the introduction of ex vivo and in vitro techniques, such as organ-on-a-chip and 3D bio-printed vascular constructs. These novel approaches offer controlled experimental settings to complement traditional in vivo models. Furthermore, advanced imaging techniques, along with computational and systems biology approaches, offer promising avenues to gain novel insights into atherosclerosis from multiple angles. 

This Methods collection aims to provide researchers with an overview of available methods and models for studying atherosclerosis and related cardio-metabolic disorders.