Carotid artery disease

What is carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease results from a blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries. This narrowing is also called carotid artery stenosis.

The carotid arteries are major blood vessels that provide your brain’s blood supply. You have two carotid arteries, one on either side of your neck.

Carotid artery disease causes up to one-third of all strokes. A stroke occurs when something blocks blood flow to your brain, causing brain injury. Treatment for carotid artery stenosis can dramatically reduce this risk. 

Carotid artery blockage symptoms

Many people don’t have symptoms of carotid artery disease in its early stages. Your doctor may notice an atypical sound called a bruit when listening to your pulse. This faint whistling sound is a distinctive sign of a carotid artery blockage.

As the condition advances, the most common first sign of carotid artery disease may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke. For some people, a stroke is the first sign of any problem.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is having a stroke or TIA, seek medical care immediately. Getting care quickly can dramatically reduce the chance of long-term damage.

Symptoms of stroke and TIA include: 

  • Blurred vision or vision loss 
  • Confusion 
  • Memory loss 
  • Numbness or weakness in part of your body or one side of your body 
  • Problems with thinking, reasoning, memory and speech

Causes and risk factors of carotid artery disease

Carotid artery disease, like other arterial disease, can develop when you have atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. This condition is a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque.

Plaque can slowly squeeze the artery closed, reducing blood flow. Or a blood clot may suddenly form, blocking some or all of the blood flow to your brain. If the clot closes the artery completely, you may have a stroke.

Risk factors for carotid artery disease include: 

  • Diabetes mellitus 
  • Family history of stroke 
  • High blood pressure, high cholesterol or high triglycerides 
  • Older age, especially if you are male 
  • Smoking or using alcohol or recreational drugs 
  • Trauma to your neck

Is carotid artery disease curable?

Treatment for carotid artery stenosis involves clearing out carotid artery blockages to reduce the likelihood of stroke-causing blood clots. Penn’s Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy Program provides all available therapies for carotid artery disease.

Your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medications for treatment for carotid artery disease or other treatment options including: 

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