What does carotid artery atherosclerosis mean?

Carotid atherosclerosis refers to a pathological process in which the carotid arteries gradually develop hardening and plaque formation under the combined influence of multiple factors, such as aging, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, smoking, and hypertension. This process primarily occurs in the arterial intima, forming atherosclerotic plaques composed of lipids, cholesterol, calcified materials, platelets, and others, which may subsequently lead to arterial lumen narrowing or occlusion, affecting blood supply to the brain. Carotid atherosclerosis is commonly seen in individuals over 40 years of age, and the incidence rate is relatively lower in women. As a type of cardiovascular disease, carotid atherosclerosis is a significant cause of serious health problems such as coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Its treatment requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including lipid regulation, antiplatelet therapy, and interventional treatment when necessary.