Comprehensive studies of carotid atherosclerosis

Carotid atherosclerosis is closely associated with the progression of other atherosclerotic conditions, including ischemic heart disease and cerebral infarction. Evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis is useful as an index of systemic atherosclerosis, and is used as a surrogate endpoint in a number of clinical studies. We have been investigating several risk factors on the progression of atherosclerosis, using the carotid arteries as a window on the arterial system in general.