Carotid plaque, a medical term, hides hidden health hazards that cannot be ignored. It refers to the lipid deposits on the inner wall of the carotid arteries, acting as an invisible barrier that gradually accumulates and blocks the smooth flow of blood.
These plaques not only affect the blood supply, but can also cause a series of serious health problems due to shedding, such as stroke, cerebral ischemia, etc.
The formation of carotid plaque is a slow and continuous process. When blood lipids are too high, lipid components in the blood tend to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques.
These plaques grow in size over time, narrowing the inner diameter of the blood vessels and slowing blood flow. More severely, when plaque ruptures or falls off, its fragments may block smaller blood vessels as blood flows, causing ischemia or even necrosis.
Carotid plaque can cause insufficient blood supply to the brain, causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. More seriously, if plaque blocks the main artery supplying blood to the brain, it can lead to a stroke, causing irreversible nerve damage and even life-threatening.
01
What factors are related to the appearance of carotid plaque?
First of all, lifestyle habits have a non-negligible impact on the formation of carotid plaque. Long-term unhealthy eating habits, such as high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar diets, can easily lead to fat deposits in the inner walls of blood vessels, which in turn can form plaques.
In addition, poor lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise, long-term smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also accelerate this process. These bad habits can disrupt the elasticity and function of blood vessels, making blood flow less smooth, which increases the risk of carotid plaque.
Secondly, genetic factors also play an important role in the formation of carotid plaque. Studies have found that people with a family history are more likely to develop carotid plaque. This may be related to some specific variants in the inherited genes that may contribute to an individual's increased susceptibility to vascular disease.
Finally, environmental factors are also important factors in the appearance of carotid plaque. Long-term exposure to environmental stresses such as air pollution and noise can cause a stress response that can cause damage to blood vessels. In addition, occupational exposure to certain harmful substances, such as chemicals, radioactive materials, etc., may also increase the risk of carotid plaque.
02
Do I need to take medicine if I find carotid plaque?
First, we need to clarify the mechanism of carotid plaque formation. Carotid plaque is mainly caused by lipid deposition and inflammatory response in the inner wall of blood vessels, which are closely related to chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
Therefore, drug therapy is essential for patients who have been diagnosed with these underlying conditions. By controlling indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, it can effectively slow down the formation and progression of plaques, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Secondly, we also have to take into account the size and stability of the plaque. For some smaller, stable plaques, medication may not be needed right away.
Patients can improve vascular endothelial function and promote plaque stabilization and reversal by adjusting their lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and exercising moderately.
However, for those large or unstable plaques, drug therapy is particularly important. Antiplatelet drugs, statins, etc. can effectively prevent plaque rupture and thrombosis, thereby protecting the life safety of patients.
Finally, we also need to consider the patient's overall health and drug tolerance. For some patients with liver and kidney insufficiency or drug allergies, drug therapy may require more caution. The doctor will weigh the pros and cons according to the patient's specific situation and formulate the most suitable treatment plan.
Therefore, there is no fixed answer to whether you need to take medicine after finding out carotid plaque. Patients should actively communicate with their doctors to understand their condition and treatment options, and work together to develop the most suitable treatment strategy for them.
03
Doctor's advice: Do 4 points, or you can improve the plaque
First and foremost, it's crucial to adjust your eating habits. Patients are advised to increase their intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which are rich in fiber and help lower blood cholesterol levels.
At the same time, reduce your intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. With a proper diet, a solid foundation can be laid for the treatment of carotid plaque.
Secondly, increasing physical activity is also an effective way to improve carotid plaque. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or jogging, can improve heart and lung fitness, improve blood circulation, and help reduce plaque formation. In addition, strength training can also strengthen muscles, increase basal metabolic rate, and further improve physical condition.
Furthermore, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels is important for improving carotid plaque. Hypertension and hyperglycemia are important risk factors for arteriosclerosis, so patients need to take antihypertensive and hypoglycemic drugs on time under the guidance of a doctor to keep blood pressure and blood sugar within the normal range. At the same time, blood pressure and blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly so that the treatment regimen can be adjusted in time.
Finally, maintaining mental health should not be overlooked. In the face of carotid plaque, patients may feel negative emotions such as anxiety and fear. However, these emotions are not conducive to recovery from the disease.
Therefore, patients should learn to adjust their mindset and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. Try relaxation training such as meditation and yoga to relieve tension and enhance self-control.
04
How is carotid plaque checked?
First of all, we need to make it clear that the examination of carotid plaque is not a simple task, but requires the help of professional medical equipment and the experience of doctors.
One of the most commonly used tests is ultrasonography, which is not only non-invasive, but also able to show the blood flow in the blood vessels and the shape and size of the plaque in real time. When ultrasound waves travel through the carotid arteries, they encounter a reflection that allows doctors to determine the nature of the plaque.
In addition to ultrasonography, doctors sometimes recommend more advanced tests such as CT angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. Although these tests are relatively expensive, they have a higher resolution and are able to more accurately determine the nature and location of plaques.
However, the test is not the goal, but the more important thing is how to formulate the appropriate treatment plan based on the test results. If the plaque is small and stable, the doctor may recommend medication and lifestyle modifications, but if the plaque is large or unstable, surgery may be considered.