Relationship between atherosclerotic risk factors and aortic plaques in patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Aortic plaque is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke.
• The relative significance of aortic versus carotid plaque is not well-defined.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for stroke risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between aortic plaque characteristics and carotid plaque lesions.
• To clarify the relationship between aortic plaque and various atherosclerotic risk factors in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-six patients with first-ever ischemic stroke of unknown etiology were included.
• Transesophageal echocardiography was used to assess aortic plaque.
• Patients were stratified into high-risk (>4mm) and low-risk (<4mm) aortic plaque groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in HDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, non-HDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, and eGFR were observed between aortic plaque groups.
• Maximal carotid plaque thickness correlated with aortic plaque lesions.
• Age, gender, and hypertension were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions:

• Aortic plaque lesions are associated with multiple atherosclerotic risk factors.
• Aortic plaque serves as both an embolic source and a marker of atherosclerosis.
• These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating aortic plaque in stroke patients.