Polygenic Risk Scores for Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific ...
Measuring Carotid Plaque Volume To Evaluate Treatments For Atherosclerosis
Cite this articleBraybrook, C. Measuring carotid plaque volume to evaluate treatments for atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 1, 6 (2005). Https://doi.Org/10.1038/ncpneuro0003
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Carotid artery disease may be asymptomatic (without symptoms) or symptomatic (with symptoms). Asymptomatic carotid disease is the presence of a significant amount of atherosclerotic build-up without obstructing enough blood flow to cause symptoms. However, a sufficiently tight stenosis will not always cause symptoms. Symptomatic carotid artery disease may result in either a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and/or a stroke (brain attack).
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a sudden or a temporary loss of blood flow to an area of the brain, usually lasting a few minutes to one hour. Symptoms usually go away entirely within 24 hours, with complete recovery. Symptoms of a TIA may include, but are not limited to, the following:
TIA may be related to severe narrowing or blockage or from small pieces of an atherosclerotic plaque breaking off, traveling through the bloodstream, and lodging in small blood vessels in the brain. With TIA, there is rarely permanent brain damage.
Call for medical help immediately if you suspect a person is having a TIA, as it may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. Not all strokes, however, are preceded by TIAs.
Stroke is another indicator of carotid artery disease. The symptoms of a stroke are the same as for a TIA. A stroke is loss of blood flow (ischemia) to the brain that continues long enough to cause permanent brain damage. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without oxygen. The area of dead cells in tissues is called an infarct.
The area of the brain that suffered the loss of blood flow will determine what the physical or mental disability may be. This may include impaired ability with movement, speech, thinking and memory, bowel and bladder function, eating, emotional control, and other vital body functions. Recovery from the specific ability affected depends on the size and location of the stroke. A stroke may result in problems such as weakness in an arm or leg or may cause paralysis, loss of speech, or even death.
The symptoms of carotid artery disease may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
High Level Of Carotenes In The Blood Is Associated With Lesser Atherosclerotic Burden
A high level of carotenes in the blood is linked with a lower degree of atherosclerosis in the arteries and thus a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. These are the conclusions of a new study by a team of researchers from IDIBAPS and the UOC, published as open access in Clinical Nutrition.
The work was headed by Gemma Chiva Blanch, of the IDIBAPS Translational research in diabetes, lipids and obesity group, led by Josep Vidal. Chiva Blanch also forms part of the CIBEROBN research centre and is an associate professor and researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
Atherosclerosis and cardiac riskAtherosclerosis is the build-up of fat, generally the LDL or "bad" type of cholesterol, on the inner walls of the blood vessels. This build-up, in the form of atherosclerotic plaques, causes a narrowing of the vessel's internal diameter, thereby hindering the blood's circulation.
Furthermore, these plaques can rupture and form clots that obstruct the blood flow, which can lead to myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), when the blood doesn't reach the heart, or ischaemic strokes, when it doesn't reach the brain.
The role of carotenesIt's no secret that diet plays a key role in cardiovascular diseases. Carotenes are bioactive compounds found in yellow, orange and green fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupes, bell peppers, mangoes, papayas, apricots, loquats and pumpkins. Carotenes are potentially capable of checking atherosclerosis.
However, the studies carried out to date have not been conclusive and it even appears that, when administered as a supplement, they have a prejudicial effect."
Gemma Chiva Blanch, IDIBAPS Translational research in diabetes, lipids and obesity group
The article looked at 200 people aged between 50 and 70 forming part of the DIABIMCAP cohort and recruited by the IDIBAPS Primary healthcare transversal research group, led by Antoni Sisó Almirall. The volunteers taking part in the study were analysed with regard to two parameters: the concentration of carotenes in the blood and, by means of ultrasound imaging, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery.
"The study concludes that the greater the concentration of carotenes in the blood, the lesser the atherosclerotic burden, particularly in women. […] So, we can confirm that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and thus in carotenes lowers the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases," said Chiva Blanch.
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Journal reference:
Bujosa, F., et al. (2023) Total carotene plasma concentrations are inversely associated with atherosclerotic plaque burden: A post-hoc analysis of the DIABIMCAP cohort. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. doi.Org/10.1016/j.Clnu.2023.05.005.
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