31 Jul 2025 • A study of over 3,000 middle-aged adults found that advanced asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis is significantly linked to higher cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden, independent of heart function or intracranial atherosclerosis.

Those with more coronary plaque had 54% higher odds of greater CSVD, including increased risks of lacunes (OR 2.52), white matter hyperintensities (OR ~1.46), and enlarged basal ganglia perivascular spaces (OR 1.70).

Mendelian randomization suggests chronic inflammation may be a key shared driver of coronary and cerebral microvascular damage.

Source: AHA|ASA Journals | Read Full Story