The rupture or erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque with thrombosis or embolization often underlie heart attacks and strokes. The early identification of patients with atherosclerotic plaques prone to rupture or erosions, vulnerable plaques (VP), and their treatment before the occurrence of events is, therefore, one of the greatest cardiovascular challenges today. Possible approaches for early detection of VP include imaging techniques allowing visualization of plaque structure, circulating biomarkers and better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the disease. In the carotid plaque imaging project the investigators study human atherosclerotic plaques (that are removed by endarterectomy) to disclose their underlying structure and mechanisms, finding possible novel therapeutic targets or markers for VP. The investigators also study plaque structure with imaging methods and try to develop new ways to detect VP using circulating or imaging markers.