Chao CJ, Lakshmanan S, Ceponiene I, et al. - Coronary plaque progression is better indicated by carotid plaque than carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and significant progression of necrotic core and noncalcified plaque (high-risk coronary plaque components) was evident in relation to appearance of a new carotid plaque.

• Asymptomatic patients (n = 47; mean age = 58.5 ± 6.6 years) with intermediate cardiovascular disease risk (Framingham risk score 6–20%) were enrolled in the Garlic 4 study.

• Serial carotid ultrasound, and coronary artery calcium score/coronary computed tomography angiography studies were performed.

• Among participants, 34.0 % (n = 16) had new carotid plaque, and 55.3 % (n = 26) had coronary plaque progression.

• CIMT progression was not related to the progression of coronary plaque, or coronary artery calcium (P = NS).