Physical activity relates to carotid plaque vulnerability in older persons with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Recent evidence suggests that excessive physical activity may accelerate the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, data on carotid atherosclerosis remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association between physical activity and changes in carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, and the interaction between these two variables with the risk of first-ever stroke. This prospective study included 1330 stroke-free persons (mean age: 71.5 years) from the population-based Rotterdam Study with carotid atherosclerosis. Carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), both recognised as important vulnerable plaque components, with a follow-up MRI conducted approximately six years later in 69

SUBMITTER: Zuo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12396483 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature