What does carotid atherosclerosis mean?

The carotid arteries are the primary blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. Early-stage carotid atherosclerosis mainly results from the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) within the arterial wall, leading to arterial stiffening and thickening. As the disease progresses, stenosis and eventual occlusion may develop, impairing blood flow and causing cerebral ischemic symptoms. This condition is typically attributable to a combination of factors, including advancing age, long-term smoking, hypertension, and abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.