The goal of this work is to determine the wall shear stress (WSS) and wall shear stress spatial gradient (WSSG) patterns in axisymmetric and asymmetric stenotic coronary arteries. The radial pressure gradient (RPG) is also evaluated, which has not received proper attention in literature. Present results indicate that this parameter may play an important role in the rupture of atherosclerotic lesions. Results also show that both sides of stenotic area with high WSS and intense WSSG and RPG are the most vulnerable sites of plaques. Blood flow is modeled as an incompressible laminar flow. The governing Navier-Stocks equations are solved numerically using a projection type method. The numerical convergence is accelerated by a new pressure correction based on the continuity of mass fluxes in every cross section.

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