What does carotid artery atherosclerosis result in?

Carotid artery atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of plaque within the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. This condition leads to narrowing (stenosis) of the arteries and hardening of the arterial walls. As plaque accumulates, the lumen of the carotid arteries becomes constricted, reducing blood flow to the brain. The hardening is due to the loss of elasticity in the arterial walls, which can also increase the risk of other complications such as thrombus formation or embolic events.

In contrast, the other options describe physiological occurrences that do not directly relate to the effects of carotid artery atherosclerosis. For example, atherosclerosis does not increase blood flow to the brain nor does it facilitate the formation of new blood vessels in the affected areas; rather, it can lead to diminished perfusion. Likewise, this condition does not increase oxygen delivery to tissues due to the reduced blood flow caused by the narrowed arteries. Thus, the predominant result of carotid artery atherosclerosis is indeed the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which is accurately captured by the correct response.