1.What is carotid plaque? Clinically, the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries is examined by color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument (ultrasound for short) to determine whether there is atherosclerotic plaque formation. It is currently considered that the normal IMT value should be less than 1.0 mm, IMT between 1.0 and 1.2 mm is intimal thickening, between 1.2 and 1.4 mm is plaque formation, and IMT greater than 1.4 mm is carotid artery stenosis. 2.The significance of carotid plaque If your physical examination report shows carotid intima-media thickening or carotid plaque formation, it suggests the formation of systemic atherosclerosis. The presence of carotid plaque significantly increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease such as lower extremity atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that for every 0.1 mm increase in carotid intima-media thickness, the risk of myocardial infarction increases by 10-15% and the risk of stroke increases by 13-18%. In particular, ultrasound shows that soft plaques with low echogenicity, i.e. unstable plaques, are more likely to fall off and cause stroke, while hard plaques with high echogenicity are relatively stable and less likely to fall off. 3, causes of carotid plaque Many risk factors for atherosclerosis lead to carotid plaque formation, such as age, gender, family members with cardiovascular disease, high total cholesterol, high LDL, high triglyceridemia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, etc. If there are several above risk factors, the chance of carotid plaque will be significantly increased. 4.How to deal with carotid plaque after it is found? Patients with carotid plaque found in physical examination should pay attention to the following aspects: ① Actively control the risk factors that can be intervened: for example, patients with hypertension should control their blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, it is recommended to use long-acting antihypertensive drugs, preferably oral antihypertensive drugs once a day, especially not advocating the use of short-acting nifedipine (cardiac pain) for long-term antihypertensive; patients with diabetes should control their blood sugar in the normal range; according to the individual The use of lipid-lowering drugs to reduce blood lipids to the ideal level according to individual conditions. ②Change unhealthy lifestyle: ensure 400 grams of vegetables and fruits per day, eat more cereals and legumes, reduce the intake of fatty foods such as eggs and fatty meat as much as possible, and consume less than 5 grams of salt per day, especially for hypertensive patients, who are currently recommended to consume less than 2.3 grams of salt per day. Quit smoking; control alcohol consumption, the average daily alcohol consumption should not exceed 20-30 grams of alcohol for men and 10-15 grams of alcohol for women; reduce or control weight by reducing calories in the diet and increasing sports; adhere to at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day such as walking, jogging, tai chi, stairs, cycling, etc.; it is also important to maintain a good state of mind. It is important to maintain a positive, optimistic, open and relaxed mood, treat yourself and others correctly, and be content with what you have. ③Anti-platelet drugs can be chosen according to individual circumstances: such as aspirin to prevent cardiovascular diseases. ④Drugs that control and slow down the progression of carotid plaque can be used: the drugs that have been proven to be effective by clinical studies include statin lipid-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin, prozac and folic acid. ⑤ Severe carotid stenosis sometimes requires carotid endarterectomy or stent placement. ⑥Check regularly to observe the size and nature of the plaque and consult a neurologist promptly to adjust the medication.