Carotid plaques are the result of lipid deposition, inflammatory responses, and fibrosis within the arterial walls, which are part of the atherosclerosis process.
If the plaques enlarge, they may narrow the vessel lumen, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the brain, thereby increasing the risk of ischemic stroke.
Not all plaques are equally dangerous. Stable plaques are less likely to rupture and form clots, whereas unstable (vulnerable) plaques are more prone to rupture, potentially leading to clot formation and stroke.
In addition to carotid plaques, many other factors are associated with the risk of stroke, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
For those with carotid plaques, it is very important to have regular physical examinations and carotid ultrasound checks to detect changes in plaques in a timely manner and take appropriate preventive measures.
Although carotid plaques increase the risk of stroke, not all plaques will cause stroke. By controlling related risk factors and having regular check-ups, the health risks associated with carotid plaques can be effectively reduced.