Atherosclerosis is a condition in which blood vessels become narrowed and hardened due to the accumulation of plaque, including in the carotid arteries, which transport blood from the heart to the brain. This condition can lead to serious health complications, such as strokes and heart attacks. Atherosclerosis is common, especially among individuals over the age of 65, smokers, and those with high cholesterol, hypertension, or a family history of heart or circulatory diseases. It is estimated that atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries contributes to up to 20% of strokes. Currently, many patients with this condition undergo surgery or stenting to prevent strokes. However, these procedures also carry risks, including the potential for stroke and other serious complications during the intervention. Now, a new scoring system designed to assess the risk of stroke in patients with narrowed arteries due to atherosclerosis could help reduce unnecessary surgeries and stent placements.

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