How can atherosclerosis lead to stroke?

Atherosclerosis contributes to the development of a stroke primarily through the narrowing of arteries and the formation of blood clots, which disrupt blood flow to the brain.12

The process occurs through two main mechanisms:

• Chronic Occlusion: Over time, the accumulation of fatty deposits—known as atherosclerotic plaques—thickens the arterial wall and narrows the vessel lumen. This reduction in diameter restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.23
• Acute Thrombosis: Plaques are susceptible to rupture, which releases chemicals that trigger the body’s coagulation pathway. This leads to the rapid formation of a blood clot (thrombus) at the site of the plaque. When this occurs in the cerebral circulation, it causes a sudden, catastrophic blockage that prevents blood from reaching brain tissue, resulting in irreversible damage.12

In the context of human aging, these complications are more prevalent as arterial walls lose elasticity and become more rigid, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events in elderly patients.1