Doctor, I have detected carotid artery plaques on my body. Is this a precursor to cerebral infarction? "Recently, Zhang Ting, Deputy Chief Physician of the Cardiovascular Department at Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine), received many anxious patients in the outpatient department due to the appearance of carotid artery plaques on their physical examination reports. In fact, the detection rate of carotid artery plaques in people over 40 years old exceeds 40%. The latest medical research confirms that scientific intervention can not only stabilize plaques, but even make them shrink. Zhang Ting explained that with age, cholesterol, calcium salts and other substances deposit on the blood vessel wall, gradually forming atherosclerotic plaque, just like the scale on the inner wall of the water pipe at home, so does the carotid artery. Generally speaking, about 40% of people over 40 years old have carotid artery plaques, and the detection rate of carotid artery plaques in people over 60 years old is as high as 90%. This is a phenomenon of vascular aging, not equivalent to a judgment of cerebral infarction. The real determinant of stroke risk is not the size of carotid plaques, but their stability. ”Zhang Ting said that stable patches are like hard pebbles, with a smooth surface, not easy to break, and low risk; Unstable plaques resemble thin skinned soup dumplings, with a surface that is prone to rupture, and upon rupture and detachment, they instantly form blood clots. So, even small unstable plaques, once ruptured, may block cerebral blood vessels and lead to cerebral infarction. If carotid artery plaques are detected, a scientific response and a three pronged approach should be taken. Precision medicine is the core: statins (such as atorvastatin) can inhibit cholesterol synthesis; Yizhemai Bu can block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine; PCSK9 inhibitor (injection) can strongly eliminate blood cholesterol. It should be noted that taking medication according to medical advice and stopping medication without authorization may accelerate the deterioration of plaques. Lifestyle is the cornerstone: In terms of diet, consume 500 grams of vegetables and 250 grams of fruits per day, and choose fish instead of red meat; In terms of exercise, it is recommended to brisk walk or swim for 150 minutes per week, which is equivalent to 25 minutes of exercise per day; Strictly control blood pressure and blood sugar, blood pressure<140/90 mmHg, fasting blood sugar<7.0 mmol/L; Immediately quit smoking, smokers have a threefold increased risk of plaque rupture compared to non-smokers. Regular monitoring: It is recommended to have a carotid ultrasound and blood lipid and glucose test once a year; Pay attention to the stability of key plaques, which can be identified by ultrasound. High risk individuals need to undergo follow-up examinations every 6 months. In addition, four groups of people need to undergo carotid plaque screening: those over 40 years old who smoke, are obese, or sit for long periods of time; "Three high" patients (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes); Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease or family history; Individuals experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and limb weakness. Professor Xiao Changjiang, the head of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the hospital, reminds that carotid plaques are not equivalent to cerebral infarction, but rather an alarm issued by the body. Under scientific management, this "time bomb" can become a safe "vascular steward". It may not completely disappear, but it will become stable, gentle, and coexist peacefully with you. (New Society)