Carotid Artery Disease
Plaque in the neck arteries that supply the brain — a leading, often silent, cause of stroke and TIA.
Understanding Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid Artery Disease occurs when the main arteries on either side of the neck (carotid arteries)—which supply blood to your brain, face, and head—become narrowed or blocked. This narrowing is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a gradual accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and calcium known as plaque. Over time, restricted blood flow or loose plaque fragments traveling to the brain significantly increase the risk of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or 'mini-stroke'). Proactive evaluation and specialized vascular management are critical to protecting your brain health.
Common Symptoms & Warning Signs
In its early stages, carotid artery disease often produces no symptoms at all ('silent progression'). Many patients only discover they have the condition during a routine clinical checkup or after experiencing a stroke or TIA. Warning signs of reduced blood flow to the brain include:
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Temporary stroke-like symptoms (sudden numbness, slurred speech, or vision loss) that resolve completely within minutes or hours. TIAs are critical warning signs of an impending stroke.
Sudden Numbness or Weakness
Weakness or loss of feeling in the face, arm, or leg, typically occurring on one side of the body.
Sudden Speech Difficulties
Difficulty speaking, slurred words, or trouble understanding spoken language.
Visual Changes
Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one eye, often described as a shadow or 'dark curtain' falling over the eye (amaurosis fugax).
Carotid Bruit
An abnormal whooshing sound heard by your doctor through a stethoscope placed over your neck, caused by turbulent blood flow through a narrowed artery.
What increases your risk?
Carotid artery disease is caused by plaque buildup along the inner vessel walls. Key factors that accelerate plaque formation include:
Primary risk factor; excess pressure damages vessel walls, making them prone to plaque accumulation.
Nicotine and chemicals irritate artery linings, accelerate plaque buildup, and increase blood clotting risk.
Excess LDL ('bad') cholesterol directly contributes to fatty deposits inside the carotid arteries.
Elevated blood sugar damages blood vessel walls and accelerates overall vascular disease progression.
Arteries naturally become stiffer and narrower with age; a family history of stroke or atherosclerosis increases overall risk.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Vascular specialists evaluate disease severity and determine whether medical management or revascularization is needed:
See ProceduresCarotid Duplex Ultrasound
A painless, non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to measure blood flow velocity and determine the percentage of arterial stenosis (blockage).
CT Angiography (CTA) or MR Angiography (MRA)
Advanced 3D imaging that provides detailed visualization of the carotid vessels and brain circulation to plan treatment.
Optimal Medical Therapy
For mild-to-moderate stenosis (< 50-70%), treatment typically involves antiplatelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel), statins to stabilize plaque, and strict blood pressure management.
Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
A proven surgical procedure where a vascular surgeon opens the carotid artery through a small incision in the neck and directly removes the blocking plaque.
Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)
A modern, minimally invasive procedure using temporary reverse blood flow to protect the brain from clots while placing a stent to open the carotid artery.
Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)
A catheter-based procedure where a mesh stent is placed inside the narrowed artery via the femoral or radial artery.
Daily Management & Lifestyle Guidance
Patients diagnosed with carotid artery disease can significantly reduce their risk of stroke through lifestyle modifications:
Quit Smoking Completely
Stopping all tobacco products halts aggressive plaque progression and reduces stroke risk.
Take Antiplatelet & Lipid Medications Daily
Consistently take prescribed blood thinners (like aspirin) and cholesterol-lowering statins to prevent blood clots and stabilize plaque.
Control Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar
Maintain blood pressure targets (typically under 130/80 mmHg) and manage blood sugar levels through diet and prescribed medications.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Diet
Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, olive oil, and low-sodium foods to reduce arterial cholesterol.
Maintain Routine Ultrasound Surveillance
Attend all scheduled carotid duplex ultrasound follow-ups to track blockage severity over time.
Red Flag Symptoms: Recognize F.A.S.T. (Call 911 Immediately)
A stroke or TIA is a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences any of the following:
- F - Face Drooping: One side of the face sags or feels numb; smile appears uneven.
- A - Arm Weakness: One arm feels weak or numb; when raising both arms, one drifts downward.
- S - Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech, inability to speak, or difficulty understanding simple sentences.
- T - Time to Call 911: Even if symptoms resolve in a few minutes (TIA), immediate emergency care is required.
- Sudden Loss of Sight: Blurred or dark vision in one eye ('curtain coming down').
- Sudden Severe Headache: Intense headache with no known cause, accompanied by dizziness or loss of balance.
Procedures we perform for Carotid Artery Disease
Take the first step toward healthier circulation
Our vascular specialists will evaluate your condition, explain every option clearly, and build a plan that fits your life.