Authors:
- Linda Čendak Božunović – Alma Mater Europaea University, Maribor, Slovenia; Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Clinic of Surgery, Department of Vascular Surgery with Intensive Care, Rijeka, Croatia; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Nursing, Rijeka, Croatia
- Sanja Pećanić – Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Clinic of Surgery, Department of Vascular Surgery with Intensive Care, Rijeka, Croatia
- Davor Primc – Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Clinic of Surgery, Department of Vascular Surgery with Intensive Care, Rijeka, Croatia
- Miljenko Kovačević – Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Clinic of Surgery, Department of Vascular Surgery with Intensive Care, Rijeka, Croatia
Article type:
Review
Abstract:
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the Republic of Croatia and worldwide. It is also the second leading cause of mortality. One of the causes of stroke is carotid artery stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque. Numerous risk factors lead to atherosclerosis, and consequently to carotid artery stenosis, which can be variable or invariable. Timely intervention on modifiable risk factors such as smoking, hyperlipoproteinemia, and increased body weight could prevent this serious disease. Stroke causes physical, social, and cognitive limitations, leading to reduced quality of life for both the patient and their family. Early detection of risk factors and prevention of stroke could significantly reduce this major health problem affecting a large number of patients each year.
Keywords:
atherosclerosis, carotid artery stenosis, stroke