What is Carotid Artery Disease?
Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries, which are responsible for bringing blood from the heart to the brain, become narrowed or obstructed due to plaque formation. This narrowing provides a risk of the plaque traveling to the brain and causing a stroke or mini-stroke
RISK FACTORS
INCREASING AGE
SMOKING HISTORY
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
DIABETES
HEART DISEASE
FAMILY HISTORY
SYMPTOMS
MINI STROKE OR STROKE
– loss of vision or blurry vision
– weakness or numbness in one side of the body
– slurred speech/difficulty speaking
– headache or dizziness
TREATMENT OPTIONS
RISK FACTOR MANAGEMENT
MEDICATIONS
EXERCISE / LIFESTYLE
SMOKING CESSATION
SURGICAL INTERVENTION
Leading a healthy lifestyle including daily exercise can help slow the progression of carotid artery disease and its associated complications.
This is a graphic depicting the plaque build up associated with carotid artery disease. This plaque decreases the amount of blood flow to the brain, and consequently deprives the brain of oxygen. In some cases, plaque can travel closer to the brain and directly occlude smaller branches of arteries, causing a mini stroke or stroke.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider concerning any questions you may have regarding the above information and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. The above information is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, physical conditions or their treatments.