Can carotid artery plaques be eliminated by taking atorvastatin?
Dec 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Carotid plaque should be treated with atorvastatin as directed by a physician. This medication can generally help reduce carotid plaques, primarily because it works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, lowering blood cholesterol levels, reducing the raw materials for plaque formation, and slowing the rate of plaque progression. Additionally, atorvastatin can stabilize existing plaques, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Carotid artery plaques can generally be reduced with atorvastatin.
Carotid artery plaque typically refers to the manifestation of atherosclerosis in extracranial segments of the carotid and vertebral arteries, as well as other neck arteries such as the subclavian and brachiocephalic arteries. In the early stages of this condition, obvious clinical symptoms usually do not appear. However, if carotid artery stenosis becomes severe, patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or fainting. After diagnosis, patients are generally advised by physicians to take atorvastatin, which can help reduce carotid plaques. This is primarily because atorvastatin works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing the raw materials needed for plaque formation, thus slowing the progression of plaque buildup. Additionally, atorvastatin helps stabilize existing plaques, reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Patients should be aware that atorvastatin is contraindicated in individuals who are pregnant, known to be allergic to any component of the drug, or suffering from active liver disease.
