Servadei F, Anemona L, Cardellini M, et al. - This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of different elements of metabolic syndrome, individually and in association, on carotid plaques destabilization. Researchers histologically examined a total of 186 carotid endarterectomies from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and correlated them with major cardiovascular risk factors. The findings may help to distinguish individuals with a real elevated risk of acute cerebrovascular diseases, therefore supporting the hypothesis that the control of hypertriglyceridemia should be a key point in the prevention of carotid atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, particularly in post-menopausal female patients.