This study strengthens the potential value of plasma BLVRB as a biomarker for unstable carotid atherosclerosis in multiple ways: first, by demonstrating an association between plasma BLVRB and IPH in a clinical cohort of patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis; second, by indicating an independent association with the incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke in the same cohort; third, by showing reduced plasma BLVRB levels following inhibition of plaque neovascularization and IPH development in a preclinical mouse model. This evidence concerns the gene BLVRB and ischemic stroke.