Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed or blocked. The carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck.
Like the arteries that supply blood to the heart, the carotid arteries can develop a buildup of plaque — a deposit made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. This buildup is called atherosclerosis.
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
- High blood-fat levels
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Lack of exercise
- Family history of atherosclerosis
Symptoms
Carotid artery disease may not produce any signs or symptoms in its early stages. The disease may go unnoticed until it's serious enough to deprive the brain of blood, causing a stroke or TIA. Signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on only one side of the body
- Sudden trouble speaking and understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Treatment
Treatment of carotid artery disease usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and sometimes surgery. Surgical options include carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty and stenting.
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