Carotid artery stenosis identified as major silent risk factor for stroke

Carotid artery stenosis, a condition where the large blood vessels in the neck narrow due to atherosclerosis, is a significant risk factor for ischemic strokes. This condition often develops silently, making early diagnosis critical to preventing potentially fatal complications.

Medical experts, including Dr. Bùi Nguyên Tùng from Bạch Mai Hospital, note that approximately 15-20% of cerebral infarction cases are related to carotid atherosclerosis. Data from Bạch Mai Hospital indicates that among patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or cerebral infarction, about 5.2% suffered from 50% or greater stenosis in the artery corresponding to the damaged brain region. Risk factors include advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Men are 4-5 times more likely to experience this condition than women, and the risk increases by approximately 1.5 times for every decade of age.

In Greece, vascular surgeons at Metropolitan Hospital emphasize that while modern minimally invasive tools have improved treatment, the asymptomatic nature of the disease remains a challenge. Experts recommend preventive screenings, such as carotid triplex ultrasound, based on patient history to detect unstable plaque before it causes a stroke.