In this era, when it comes to "carotid plaque", many people may wave their hands, thinking that it is just a common disease of the elderly and has little to do with themselves. However, the data and facts give a silent warning.
Carotid plaque is not a trivial matter, and its existence may be a prelude to a cerebral infarction. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to master some scientific prevention and reversal measures.
1. Carotid plaque: a "hidden danger" of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health that cannot be ignored
Globally, about 2 billion people suffer from carotid atherosclerosis, and China accounts for 270 million of this huge number.
More specifically, there are about 200 million patients with carotid plaque. These numbers may be somewhat abstract, but behind them are the health crises that countless families may be facing.
Let's take a look at the situation in Beijing, according to statistics, almost one in two people over the age of 40 has a carotid plaque problem.
By the age of 60, almost no one is immune to this problem. These data are not used to scare, but to make everyone aware that the problem of carotid plaque is already a reality in front of us.
2. Causes of carotid plaque formation and its threat to health
To put it simply, the carotid artery has a "Y" shaped branch in anatomy, and the hemodynamic force in this area is relatively large, and it is easy to form plaque on the inner wall of the blood vessel due to factors such as cholesterol and fat in the blood.
This may not sound like a big deal, but the problem is that once plaque forms, it can block blood flow, affect the blood supply to the brain, and over time, it can lead to cerebral infarction.
Meta-studies have also pointed out that hyperlipidemia, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., are all causes of carotid plaque. These factors are like time bombs that can trigger a health crisis at any time.
When carotid plaque is formed, its harm should not be underestimated. The most direct consequence is cerebral infarction, because the plaque may fall off to form a blood clot, and the blood clot flows to the brain, which may block the cerebral blood vessels and lead to cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction can have serious consequences and may lead to hemiplegia, aphasia, and even life-threatening.
3. Carotid plaque found in physical examination: warning signal or immediate danger?
Carotid ultrasound has become one of the routine examinations in the increasingly popular physical examination program. This test helps doctors look for plaque formation in the carotid arteries, as well as the size and shape of the plaque.
According to the 2020 Beijing Physical Examination Statistical Report, the proportion of people who undergo carotid ultrasound examination with plaque increases significantly with age.
The detection of these plaques does not mean that a cerebral infarction will occur immediately, but they are certainly an early warning sign that we need to start paying attention to the health of our blood vessels.
The danger of plaques does not depend solely on their presence, but more importantly on their size and narrowness. When the carotid artery is stenosis more than 50%, the risk of cerebral infarction increases significantly.
In this case, the plaque may restrict blood flow and may even cause the plaque to break off and form a blood clot. Therefore, the discovery of carotid plaque during a physical examination is no small matter and is an important health indicator that prompts us to require further medical evaluation and intervention.
4. Carotid artery plaque symptoms that should be vigilant in daily life
Carotid plaques may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, but as the condition progresses, some transient symptoms may appear. These symptoms include transient amaurosis, slurred speech, weakness or paresthesias in one limb, and even transient vision loss.
These symptoms may last from a few minutes to a few hours before disappearing on their own. While these symptoms are temporary, they are actually signals of a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that can result from a small area of carotid plaque, medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
TIA is a serious warning sign that patients are at high risk of developing a cerebral infarction in the coming months. Therefore, once the above symptoms appear, even if they disappear quickly, one should seek medical attention immediately. Regular check-ups are equally important to help us detect carotid plaque early so that preventive measures can be taken in time.
When faced with the threat of carotid plaque, we cannot afford to take it lightly. Plaques found during a physical exam, even if they don't cause symptoms now, can be a "ticking time bomb" for future health problems.
Once the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack occur, a high level of suspicion should be aroused, as it may be a precursor to a cerebral infarction.
5. Scientific diet: the first step to reduce the risk of carotid plaque
Diet plays a vital role in preventing the formation and development of carotid plaque. Healthy eating habits can significantly reduce the risk of high cholesterol and high fat, which are one of the main causes of carotid plaque formation.
Experts recommend eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as these foods can help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and reduce blood viscosity.
At the same time, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help remove harmful substances from the blood vessels and promote cardiovascular health.
In addition, it is necessary to reduce the intake of processed foods and foods high in sugar. These foods increase the level of inflammation in the body and accelerate the formation of plaques.
Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet or a low-carb diet has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
6. Regular exercise: enhance the elasticity of blood vessels and improve blood flow
Regular physical activity is essential to keep your blood vessels healthy. Common aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, strengthens the heart and lungs and improves blood circulation, helping to stop plaque formation or limit its spread.
Studies have shown that engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Exercise can also help control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood lipid levels, all of which are key factors in preventing carotid plaque formation. Experts suggest that even 30 minutes of walking a day can bring significant health benefits.
summary
With these specific lifestyle modifications, everyone can take action in their daily lives to reduce the risk of carotid plaque. These healthy habits can not only help prevent carotid plaque, but also improve overall quality of life, laying a strong foundation for future health.
Far from being alarmist, these messages are based on extensive scientific research and practical experience and are designed to motivate people to take positive health actions and avoid serious health problems that can be prevented.