Atherosclerotic plaque, how much do you know about it?

There are many obvious symptoms of atherosclerotic plaques, and here are a few of them. Headache, dizziness, tinnitus; difficulty falling asleep, easy dreaming, waking up with a start; weak memory, easy to forget recent events and names; emotional instability, easy to get angry and furious; there may also be a series of symptoms such as short-term limb paralysis, numbness of one side of the limbs, difficulty in movement, etc. Next, let’s talk about the causes and consequences of atherosclerosis.

There are two consequences of atherosclerotic plaques: stenosis and embolism. Stenosis can lead to insufficient blood supply, while the rupture of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and the detachment of emboli can cause cerebral infarction.

What exactly are these plaques made of? Which ingredients are dangerous?

Simply put, the components include: lipids, bleeding, thrombus, calcification and fibrous cap.

Stroke occurs mostly due to the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, which causes the detachment of emboli, blood accumulation in the plaques, and induction of thrombosis on the surface of the plaques.

【Lipid core】

The increase in the proportion of lipid core in the plaque will increase the burden of the plaque, causing rupture and thus leading to ischemic stroke.

【Bleeding and thrombosis】

If bleeding occurs within the plaque, it will accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis and induce thrombosis on the surface of the plaque.

【Calcification】

There is much debate about whether the presence and size of calcification is related to the incidence of stroke. Everyone has their own opinion, and there is no point in popularizing science.

【Fiber cap】

If the fibrous cap on the surface of the plaque ruptures or ulcers form, this is a highly sensitive sign of plaque instability.

Atherosclerosis is caused by many factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Treatment of atherosclerosis also starts from daily life. Watch your diet and search the internet for calorie counts of various foods. Exercise more, such as running, taking a walk, playing ball, etc. Work in moderation and don't overwork yourself. You should also be moderate in your private life. It is best not to smoke, but you can drink a small amount of alcohol.