Desk workers beware of carotid artery lumps from screen time

Produced by: Science Popularization China

Author: Mai Bo

Supervisor: Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology

Desk workers should be cautious of the risk of carotid artery lumps due to prolonged screen time. Office workers who sit for extended periods and maintain irregular schedules are at an increased risk for carotid artery plaques, making regular medical check-ups essential.

"Revising plans until dawn, rushing to submit before the deadline," and other similar scenarios are common for those over 35 who spend long hours at the computer. While one may not realize it, these habits of prolonged sitting, late nights, and continuous work can lead to the development of carotid artery plaques—referred to in medical terms as carotid artery plaques.

According to Fan Hongxing, chief expert and attending physician at the Carotid Artery Plaque Diagnosis and Treatment Center of the Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, office workers fit the profile of an invisible high-risk group for carotid artery plaques. After age 35, metabolic rates decline and associated risks increase. The carotid arteries play a critical role in delivering blood to the brain, and plaques are a form of atherosclerosis caused by lipid buildup in artery walls, which typically present no symptoms in early stages. However, when these plaques rupture, they may lead to cerebral ischemia and strokes. Prompt identification and intervention are essential.

Why are "sedentary overtime workers" more susceptible to plaque formation? Fan Hongxing explains that carotid artery plaques develop due to a combination of factors over time, not from a single cause. The work and lifestyle habits of sedentary individuals align perfectly with three primary mechanisms that contribute to plaque formation.

First, prolonged sitting disrupts blood flow and accelerates lipid buildup. Remaining seated for more than 4-6 hours can slow blood circulation, decrease shear stress on the carotid artery walls, and facilitate the deposition of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the arterial intima, contributing to the early formation of lipid streaks in plaques. Additionally, after 35, lipid metabolism declines, further exacerbating plaque progression.

Second, late-night work leads to metabolic disruptions and worsens vascular damage. Disrupting the circadian rhythm leads to blood pressure fluctuations that irritate the vascular endothelium. Sleep deprivation suppresses the activity of lipoprotein metabolic enzymes, promoting lipid accumulation. This results in a negative cycle of "metabolic disorder and vascular damage" when combined with high-sugar and high-fat diets.

Third, chronic stress initiates vascular inflammation. Stress in the workplace increases stress hormone levels, raising blood pressure, activating inflammatory pathways, and enhancing vascular permeability. These conditions favor lipid adhesion, with chronic inflammation being a key contributor to plaque progression.

What body signals indicate the presence of "long lumps" in the carotid artery? Most patients with carotid artery plaques do not exhibit specific symptoms initially, which is why they are often labeled "silent killers." However, as plaques progress or become unstable, the body may show warning signs that require attention.

1. Numbness and weakness in the limbs: A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) may present sudden unilateral limb numbness, weakness, slurred speech, or blurred vision, commonly accompanied by temporary loss of consciousness. These symptoms usually last for minutes to a few hours and are often caused by a thrombus dislodging from a plaque's surface, possibly blocking small blood vessels in the brain. These serve as a preliminary warning for strokes, necessitating medical attention within 24 hours.

2. Dizziness and frequent yawning: Symptoms related to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion include persistent dizziness, excessive yawning, memory decline, and concentration difficulties. Some patients may have sleep disturbances, stemming from long-term insufficient blood flow to the brain due to carotid artery stenosis. If symptoms last over a month, investigation for carotid artery lesions is advised.

3. Neck discomfort and tightness: Local symptoms indicating carotid artery issues may include swelling, discomfort, or the sensation of a pulsatile mass in the neck's lateral area, suggesting significant narrowing caused by plaques.

Fan Hongxing recommends that individuals meeting any of the following criteria should undergo a carotid ultrasound once annually: being over 40 years of age; having a daily average sedentary time of 4 hours or more; working overtime three or more times a week or staying up late four or more times a month; having underlying conditions related to hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperlipidemia; or having a history of smoking or family history of cardiovascular diseases. This non-invasive examination can accurately assess the size, nature, and degree of narrowing of plaques.

How can sedentary individuals protect their carotid arteries? "Preventing plaque formation doesn’t need to be complex; the focus should be on integrating protective habits into daily life," stresses Fan Hongxing, who provides four practical suggestions.

1. Regularly break prolonged sitting: Implement a model of "1 hour of work + 5 minutes of activity." Set reminders to stand up and engage in simple physical actions, such as wall stretches, neck and shoulder stretches, marching in place, or walking around the office to promote blood circulation and reduce lipid deposition.

2. Optimize your schedule and improve sleep quality: Evade "ineffective late nights" by prioritizing essential tasks during working hours. If overtime is unavoidable, consider the "segmented break method" (10-minute breaks every 2 hours) to manage late-night durations and maintain a stable circadian rhythm.

3. Scientifically adjust your diet: Limit high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt takeout and processed foods, favor meals cooked by steaming or blanching. During office breaks, opt for nuts and fresh fruits or vegetables instead of sugary snacks to increase unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber intake, and ensure proper hydration by drinking 1500 to 2000 milliliters of water daily, while limiting coffee consumption to no more than 2 cups a day, along with sugary drinks.

4. Regular screening for early intervention: Individuals over 40 should have annual carotid ultrasound examinations. If plaques are found, it’s important not to panic; promptly consult a medical professional to adjust your lifestyle and follow an appropriate treatment plan.

"Carotid artery plaques are often mistakenly viewed as issues primarily affecting older adults. However, professionals aged 35 to 45 are increasingly affected due to unhealthy habits," cautioned Fan Hongxing. "While hard work is important, health is foundational. Protecting the carotid arteries equates to protecting the brain, making regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments crucial for balancing effective work with good health."

Content from: Guangdong Province Association for Science and Technology

Content resources are provided by the project unit.