What causes plaques in the blood vessels of the neck? How to treat arteriosclerosis and stenosis?

Plaques in the neck blood vessels indicate that the carotid arteries are beginning to show symptoms of atherosclerosis. If the plaques continue to grow, it is easy to cause cerebral infarction. If the plaques rupture and form blood clots, it is possible to narrow the blood vessels or even block them. So what causes this kind of plaque? How can it be treated?

What causes plaques in the blood vessels of the neck?

Long-term smoking and drinking

Both of these hobbies will damage the vascular endothelium, cause inflammation due to fat deposition, and ultimately destroy the normal structure of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis will gather together to form plaques.

The intervention goal is to quit smoking and drinking.

Increased blood sugar and blood pressure

High blood sugar erodes the vascular endothelium, and high blood pressure constantly impacts the blood vessels, which are the main causes of vascular damage. This is also the root cause why patients with diabetes and hypertension often develop cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.

The control target is: fasting blood sugar is at least less than 7.0mmol/L, and blood sugar is at least less than 10.0mmol/L 2 hours after a meal; blood pressure is at least lower than 140/90mmol/L, and it is best to maintain it at 120/80mmHg.

Long-term abnormal blood lipids

The deposition of fat on the blood vessel walls is the material basis for atherosclerosis and plaque formation. Low-density lipoprotein, which is responsible for transporting fat into the blood vessel walls, is the most dangerous factor and must be strictly controlled. The control target is to keep it at least below 2.6mmol/L. When cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have occurred, it should be controlled below 1.8mmol/L.

In addition, the diet should be light and low in salt, limit the intake of staple foods, exercise more and stick to it for a long time. Each exercise should last for 30 minutes, and the back should feel warm or slightly sweaty during exercise. Also pay attention to a regular life and a regular schedule, especially avoid staying up late, etc.

How to treat arteriosclerosis and stenosis

If the stenosis rate is less than 50%, it is mild carotid artery stenosis and you can choose conservative treatment. You can take statins and insist on controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, improving lifestyle habits, quitting smoking, and controlling weight. In addition, you need to undergo a carotid artery ultrasound examination every six months.

If the stenosis rate exceeds 50% and there are no obvious symptoms, conservative treatment is recommended, which includes checking, taking medications and maintaining good living habits.

Another situation where medication is not recommended is when the carotid artery stenosis exceeds 70%, or stenosis is 50% with clinical symptoms. Even with effective drug control, the incidence of ischemic events within 2 years is as high as 26%. Therefore, surgical treatment should be considered. Surgical methods include carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting.

When carotid artery stenosis is completely occluded, surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible. In the case of complete occlusion, stripping and stenting should not be performed, and cerebral vascular bypass grafting should be performed.

What to eat to prevent blood plaques

garlic

The sulfur compounds in garlic essential oil have a significant effect in lowering blood lipids and can reduce the formation of fatty plaques in blood vessels.

Ginger

The active ingredients of ginger oil in ginger are oleoresin and bile acid chelate, which can prevent the absorption of cholesterol, increase the excretion of cholesterol and promote blood circulation.

Chinese chives

Leeks are rich in cellulose, volatile oils and sulfur-containing compounds, which can promote intestinal motility, reduce cholesterol absorption and lower blood lipids.

corn

Corn seeds contain lecithin and vitamin E, which have anti-vascular sclerosis effects, can lower serum cholesterol, and are good for preventing hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and preventing brain cell reduction.

Soybean

Soybeans and their products contain saponin and cellulose, which can lower cholesterol in the body. Regular consumption can also prevent coronary artery sclerosis.

carrot

Carrots are rich in carotene and multiple vitamins, which can lower blood lipids, increase arterial blood flow, lower blood pressure, strengthen the heart, etc.

eggplant

It is rich in vitamins. Regular consumption can prevent the increase of cholesterol, increase the elasticity of blood vessels, and prevent atherosclerosis.

Marine fish

Reducing lipids in plasma can hinder the formation of plaques to a certain extent.

sweet potato

Contains glycosaminoglycans, which are good for maintaining blood vessel elasticity.