Carotid Artery Disease

What is carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, is a condition that can lead to a stroke when left untreated. It’s characterized by plaque buildup in the carotid artery (large artery on either side of your neck) that blocks normal blood flow. 

Treatment may involve a procedure called a carotid endarterectomy. Without treatment, carotid artery disease could eventually become fatal.

What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease?

You may not have any symptoms of carotid artery disease unless it causes a stroke. Signs of a stroke include one-sided facial drooping, slurred speech, and loss of sensation or weakness on one side of your body. You may also lose vision in one eye. Seek medical attention immediately (dial 911) if you or a loved one develops signs of a stroke.

What are the risk factors for carotid artery disease?

Risk factors for developing carotid artery disease include:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet
• Being sedentary 
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Family history of carotid artery disease

Up to 5% of the general population may have carotid artery disease, and it’s reported as the fifth leading cause of death by the American Stroke Association.

How is carotid artery disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing carotid artery disease at Cardiovascular Wellness Center includes a review of your symptoms and medical history, physical exam, and lab testing or imaging procedures – such as an ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), cerebral angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

The Cardiovascular Wellness Center team uses CT scanning to determine your calcium score, which is the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. This identifies the extent of plaque buildup in vessel walls and your risk of a heart attack, heart disease, or stroke.

How is carotid artery disease treated?

Your carotid artery disease treatment plan may include:

• Weight loss
• Diet and exercise changes
• Medications
• Not smoking
• Surgical procedure

During a minor procedure called a carotid endarterectomy, your specialist makes a tiny incision to remove plaque from the affected artery. They might place a stent in a narrowed or blocked artery to widen it. 

Detecting and treating carotid artery disease early is the best way to avoid life-threatening complications, particularly a stroke and its potentially disabling symptoms. 

Schedule an evaluation at Cardiovascular Wellness Center by phone or request one online today to undergo screening for carotid artery disease.