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When it comes to a blocked carotid artery, many people immediately get nervous and worry about whether they will suddenly have a stroke. In fact, although carotid plaque sounds scary, as long as it is managed correctly, it is not as scary as imagined. This article will give you a detailed analysis of the causes of carotid artery blockage, and introduce how to deal with these plaques, bringing you some scientific comfort.
Causes of carotid artery blockage
Why is the carotid artery so easy to block? This problem has to start with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a long-term process in which lipid substances gradually build up on the walls of the arteries, forming atheromastic plaques.
Not only do these plaques clog arteries, but they can also cause a range of health problems. The formation of atherosclerosis is closely related to a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and obesity, among others.
High blood pressure puts pressure on the walls of the arteries, causing them to be damaged, and cholesterol can be deposited on the damaged walls. Smoking not only directly damages blood vessels, but also increases blood viscosity and promotes plaque formation.
Diabetes and obesity accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis through a variety of pathways. In addition to these external factors, increasing age and family history are also internal factors that cannot be ignored.
Myocardial infarction and stroke are among the leading causes of death in the United States, and the common risk factors and pathological mechanisms of both tend to co-exist carotid and coronary artery disease. Approximately 50% of patients undergoing peripheral revascularization surgery have clinical or angiography findings of coronary artery disease.
Hazards and misunderstandings of carotid plaque
Carotid plaque can block blood flow and increase the risk of stroke. Once the plaque ruptures, the blood clot that forms can further block the blood vessels, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain and even causing cerebral infarction.
However, not all carotid plaques can cause serious problems. Many people with asymptomatic carotid plaque do not have significant health problems throughout their lives.
Although carotid plaque may be present, not all patients will have a serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event. What we need to understand is that the presence of carotid plaque does not necessarily mean that a stroke is inevitable.
How to deal with carotid plaque
Control of risk factors: Control of risk factors is key to the prevention and management of carotid plaque. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, maintaining an appropriate weight and getting regular physical activity, can all help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Regular check-ups: Regular vascular ultrasonography can help monitor the development of carotid plaque. Patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease can be evaluated with non-invasive tests such as carotid duplex scanning.
Medications: The use of antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, and statins, as recommended by your doctor, can help reduce blood clots and control cholesterol levels. The use of these drugs can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Surgical treatment: carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) may be required for patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. Carotid artery reconstruction surgery is a reasonable option in the presence of significant neurological symptoms or high-grade carotid artery disease.
The co-management of carotid and coronary artery disease is a complex issue. Staging surgery is usually the preferred approach because it is associated with a lower incidence of iatrogenic stroke (<1.5%). For patients with left main coronary artery disease or severe multivessel disease, a combination of carotid endarterectomy and cardiac reconstructive surgery may be necessary.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!