Carotid Artery Disease

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid Artery Disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The carotid arteries, located on each side of the neck, play a critical role in delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

When these arteries become too narrow, it increases the risk of stroke, which happens when blood flow to the brain is significantly reduced or completely blocked. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, making early detection and treatment of Carotid Artery Disease essential for preventing life-threatening complications.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing Carotid Artery Disease, including:

• Smoking (damages artery walls and accelerates plaque buildup)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol and unhealthy lipid levels
• Diabetes (increases plaque formation in arteries)
• Obesity and poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Aging (risk increases with age, particularly over 65)
• Family history of stroke, heart disease, or atherosclerosis
• Personal history of coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease

Symptoms

Carotid Artery Disease often develops silently, meaning many people experience no symptoms until a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini stroke," occurs. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (often on one side of the body)
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech (slurred or confused speech)
• Loss of vision or blurriness in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe, unexplained headache

A TIA (mini stroke) is a warning sign that a more serious stroke may occur. If you experience any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment

Treatment for Carotid Artery Disease focuses on reducing the risk of stroke, improving blood flow to the brain, and preventing further artery narrowing. The best treatment approach depends on the severity of blockage, symptoms, and overall health.

Lifestyle and Medical Management

For mild to moderate carotid artery narrowing, lifestyle changes and medications can help slow disease progression and lower stroke risk:

• Smoking cessation to prevent further artery damage
• Heart-healthy diet to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar
• Regular exercise to promote overall vascular health
• Medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, and prevent blood clots

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For patients with significant artery narrowing or a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini stroke”), minimally invasive options may be recommended:

• Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) – A small mesh stent is placed in the artery to keep it open and restore blood flow after angioplasty.
• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) – A newer minimally invasive approach that temporarily redirects blood flow to protect the brain while a stent is placed.

Surgical Options

For severe blockages, typically over 70%, surgery may be required:

• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) – A gold standard procedure where plaque is surgically removed from the artery, reducing stroke risk significantly.

At AtlantiCare, our vascular specialists offer advanced, patient-focused treatment plans to help reduce stroke risk and keep blood flowing safely to the brain.

Prevention

Reducing the risk of Carotid Artery Disease and stroke involves making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and managing underlying health conditions. Prevention strategies include:

• Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates artery damage and plaque buildup.
• Manage blood pressure & cholesterol: Keeping levels within a healthy range reduces the strain on arteries.
• Control diabetes: Proper blood sugar management protects blood vessels from damage.
• Stay physically active: Regular exercise improves circulation and cardiovascular health.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess weight helps lower stroke risk.
• Routine screenings: Regular carotid artery ultrasounds can help detect narrowing early, especially in high-risk individuals.