Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Prevention and Tailored Clinical Management

Figures

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  Figure 1. Pathophysiological mechanisms linking chronic kidney disease to carotid atherosclerosis (created by the authors).

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  Figure 2. Core primary prevention strategies for carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (created by the authors). SGLT2i: sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. CVD: cardiovascular disease. CKD: chronic kidney disease. The different colors of the raindrop-shaped graphics represent distinct categories of preventive strategies.

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  Figure 3. Stage-specific primary prevention strategies for carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (created by the authors). CKD: chronic kidney disease. The arrows indicate the progression of chronic kidney disease and associated cardiovascular risk. The different colors represent distinct CKD stages and corresponding preventive strategies. Check marks highlight key therapeutic targets at each stage.

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  Figure 4. Antiplatelet Therapy in Primary Prevention of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: Risk–Benefit Considerations (created by the authors).

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  Figure 5. Key concepts in the primary prevention of carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (created by the authors). The arrows indicate the progression from chronic kidney disease to accelerated carotid atherosclerosis and increased cerebrovascular risk. The different colors represent distinct components, including drivers of disease, clinical consequences, and preventive strategies. Check marks highlight key factors and therapeutic interventions.

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  Figure 6. CEASE Strategy: Integrated and Stage-Specific Management of Carotid Atherosclerosis Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease (created by the authors). The arrows indicate the relationship between key preventive strategies and the central concept. The different colors represent distinct components of the framework. Uppercase letters correspond to the CEASE acronym: C–Control Blood Pressure; E–Effective Lipid Management; A–Attenuate Metabolic/Inflammatory Risk; S–Stage-Specific Therapy; E–Encourage Lifestyle Interventions.