The
Carotid Arteries
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the
head and body. There are two carotid arteries (one on each
side of the neck) that supply blood to the brain. You can
feel your carotid arteries by feeling the pulse on your lower
neck, on either side of your windpipe.
What
is Carotid Artery Disease?
This occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels
to the brain, develop a buildup of plaque caused by hardening
of the arteries. When the buildup becomes very severe, it
can cause a stroke. The process is similar to the buildup
of plaque in arteries in the heart that causes heart attacks. |
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Like
the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries), the carotid
arteries also develop atherosclerosis, the build-up of fat
and cholesterol deposits, called plaque, on the inside of
the arteries. Over time, the build-up narrows the artery,
decreases blood flow to the brain and can lead to a stroke.
A stroke can occur if
- the
artery becomes extremely narrowed
- a piece
of plaque breaks off and travels to the smaller arteries
of the brain
- a clot
forms and blocks a narrowed artery
What
is a stroke?
A stroke is similar to a heart attack. A stroke occurs when
brain cells (neurons) are deprived of the oxygen and glucose
carried to them by blood. |
Eighty percent
of strokes are “ischemic strokes,” where part of the
circulation to the brain is cut off, usually due to blockages in
the carotid arteries.
How serious
is a stroke caused by Carotid Artery Disease?
A stroke can paralyze the arms or legs, affect the ability to speak
or eat and even be fatal. Strokes are the third leading cause of
death in the U.S. today, and the leading cause of death among older
Americans.
How is Carotid
Artery Disease diagnosed?
Carotid artery disease cannot be detected in a doctor’s office.
But it can be easily and accurately diagnosed using an ultrasound
scan that is simple, painless and takes only a few minutes.
When is treatment
for carotid artery disease necessary?
Most cases do not require treatment – developing some plaque
in the carotid arteries is normal as one ages. But when plaque causes
a blockage of 60-70% or more, or causes transient ischemic attacks,
or “mini-strokes,” treatment may be required.
View
Carotid Artery Stenting Video
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Carotid Disease
