Inclusion Criteria:  Ultrasound evidence of atherosclerotic plaque in one or both carotid arteries Own a smartphone and know how to use apps presumed life expectancy of more than one year willing to comply with the protocol and provide written informed consent  Exclusion Criteria:  congestive heart failure with NYHA (New York Heart Association classification) III-IV symptoms severe valve disease no german knowledge unwillingness to user the app and/or undergo diagnostic procedures