Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium
11:00

A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium

Published on: June 22, 2010

Lipoprotein (a) and carotid atherosclerosis in young patients with stroke

Nathalie Nasr1, Jean Bernard Ruidavets, Ahmed Farghali

  • 1Service de Neurologie Vasculaire and INSERM U858-Team 09, Département d'Epidémiologie, Toulouse University Hospital, Hôpital Rangueil, 1, av Prof Jean Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France. nasr.n@chu-toulouse.fr

Stroke
|September 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

High lipoprotein (a) levels are linked to carotid atherosclerosis in young adults experiencing ischemic stroke. This association is strong, graded, and independent of common risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Elevated lipoprotein (a) is a known risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis in older individuals.
  • The relationship between lipoprotein (a) and carotid atherosclerosis in younger stroke patients remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between lipoprotein (a) levels and carotid atherosclerosis in young adults (16-54 years) with ischemic stroke.
  • To determine if this association is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 196 patients aged 16-54 treated for acute ischemic stroke.
  • Carotid atherosclerosis was graded using carotid duplex imaging (no atherosclerosis, plaque without stenosis, stenosis ≥50%).
  • Polynomial logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.

Main Results:

  • A significant graded association was observed between lipoprotein (a) plasma concentration and the severity of carotid atherosclerosis (P<0.001).
  • The association remained significant across different grades of atherosclerosis.
  • This relationship was independent of traditional risk factors like cholesterol.

Conclusions:

  • Lipoprotein (a) plasma concentration is positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis in young adults with ischemic stroke.
  • The association is strong, graded, and not influenced by conventional risk factors.
  • Lipoprotein (a) may be a crucial, independent risk marker for atherosclerosis in younger stroke populations.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...