What are the dangers of carotid artery plaque?
Disease description:
During a physical examination, the doctor mentioned that I have plaque buildup in my carotid artery. I would like to ask the doctor, what are the risks associated with carotid artery plaque?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Carotid artery plaque refers to cholesterol or lipid deposits formed on the inner wall of the carotid artery, which can have serious health implications. The potential risks include:
1. Cerebrovascular accidents: Plaques can block the carotid artery, leading to obstruction of blood flow to the aorta supplying the brain, causing cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, and potentially resulting in stroke.
2. Cardiovascular disease: Plaques not only affect the patency of the carotid artery but may also dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the heart, triggering cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or angina.
3. Vision problems: Carotid artery plaques can impair blood flow to the eyes, potentially causing retinal ischemia and resulting in visual disturbances such as blurred vision or visual field defects.
Carotid artery plaque is a serious vascular condition that should be diagnosed using medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound. If patients experience any physical discomfort, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.
