Carotid Artery Disease

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease (CAD), also known as carotid artery stenosis, is the narrowing or blockage of the main arteries supplying blood to the brain. It is a common vascular disease, typically caused by plaque buildup, and is a leading cause of stroke. 

While CAD forms over time, symptoms are often difficult to recognize until a major event occurs. When blockages or narrowing of arteries stop blood from passing through the carotid artery, blood can no longer reach the brain, leading to ischemic stroke.

Carotid Artery Disease Symptoms, Causes, & Risk Factors

CAD is primarily caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) fueled by high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The disease typically starts as small fatty deposits on blood vessel walls. Blockage growth occurs gradually over time, often without early warning signs. In many cases, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the event that reveals CAD. 

Stroke and TIA symptoms require immediate medical attention and may include:

• Sudden facial numbness (often noticed as drooping on one side)
• Weakness (especially on one side of the body)
• Slurred speech
• Unexplained clumsiness
• Sudden, severe headache
• Blurred or double vision

Diagnostic Testing for Carotid Artery Disease

Vascular Health Center diagnoses carotid stenosis using painless, non-invasive imaging. Different imaging tests may be conducted for primary diagnosis and to detect severity.

• Carotid duplex ultrasound: A painless test that uses ultrasound waves to reconstruct an image of the carotid arteries and blood flow through the artery is the primary screening tool for diagnosis.
• CT angiography: A CT imaging test that helps determine the degree of narrowing and the amount of calcium in the vessel
• MR angiography: Uses magnetic fields to generate images of the head and neck to reveal blockages and their severity
• X-ray imaging with an injection of medication into the artery may also be used for better visuals of arteries in the neck, head, and brain.

Treatment Options & Surgical Outcomes for Carotid Artery Disease

Treatment options for carotid artery disease vary based on disease severity, with strategies ranging from medication and lifestyle changes to surgical intervention. Depending on disease progression, you can expect:

• Lifestyle and medication changes: Partial blockages don’t always require immediate treatment. We may advise increasing cardiovascular activity, quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol intake, and taking cholesterol medications. Routine scans will determine if the blockage is getting worse.
• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (stenting): Vascular surgeons access the carotid artery by inserting a catheter at the groin and advancing it toward the neck. A tiny balloon is then expanded to push away plaque buildup before inserting a stent to prevent future stenosis.
• Carotid Endarterectomy: A vascular surgeon makes a small cut in the front of the neck to access the artery and scrapes away plaque from the inside of the artery. 

CAD treatments are minimally invasive and highly effective at removing blockages and preventing them from reforming. Surgical options that remove plaque from arteries restore safe blood flow and significantly lower long-term stroke risk. 

Stroke Prevention in Battle Creek, MI with Help from Vascular Health Center

Carotid artery disease is a serious condition that can have severe consequences if it goes untreated. However, with early diagnosis, treatments are highly effective, eliminating current symptoms and reducing future stroke risks. 

At Vascular Health Center, our board-certified vascular specialists and experienced team provide advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to improve blood flow and reduce stroke risk from CAD. Reach out today to discuss your concerns and schedule a consultation.