Fig. 3

Pathophysiological mechanisms linking arterial curvature and stroke. Arterial curvature results in haemodynamic changes, causing slowed blood flow in the curved artery. This can lead to inadequate blood supply to brain tissue and an increased risk of intravascular thrombus formation. Changes in wall shear stress (WSS), particularly low WSS, can result in endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, all of which contribute to thrombosis and atherosclerosis. High WSS associated with atherosclerosis-related arterial stenosis may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, potentially triggering acute vascular events. Additionally, elevated WSS may enhance fibrin degradation, contributing to the development of arterial dissection. Ultimately, thrombogenesis, atherosclerosis, and arterial dissection can lead to acute ischemic stroke. (Created with BioRender.com.)