Figure: The images show a large atherosclerotic plaque in a carotid artery. The top panels show an axial view (left) and a longitudinal view (right). The 3D volumetric representation (bottom) provides a detailed and accurate visualization of the plaque, allowing a thorough assessment of the disease.
The progression of atherosclerosis in people who have no symptoms of it is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause, according to a new study led by researchers from Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, published September 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
This research is also the first to show that advanced imaging can detect atherosclerotic disease of the large vessels long before the appearance of symptoms—an approach that could be used worldwide to prevent cardiovascular disease and risk of death. Together, the findings emphasize the importance of early detection of atherosclerosis.