Carotid artery disease is caused by plaques (fat deposits) that block the blood vessels (carotid arteries) which carry blood to the brain and head. This disease takes time to develop.
The onset of the disease can come from the interference of the blood supply to the brain which leads to transient ischemic attack (TIA) and TIA happens when there is less blood delivered to the brain which occurs temporarily. Stroke leads to dead brain cells because the brain losses oxygenation.
Changing your lifestyle, taking medications, and undergoing surgery may treat carotid artery disease.
There is usually no symptoms when carotid artery disease is just starting and tends to be overlooked until stroke or TIA suddenly occurs.
The following are the signs and symptoms of a TIA or stroke:
Call for emergency medical help if you suddenly experience symptoms of stroke. A doctor must be consulted immediately because it may be a TIA or a sign of an impending complete stroke.
If you have the risk factors to develop a carotid artery disease, consult your doctor to be able to receive suggestions on how to control your risk factors. Early detection increases the chance of treatment before the debilitating effects of stroke occur.
The accumulation of plaques in the arteries that brings blood up to your brain causes carotid artery disease. Plaques are formed from cholesterol, fibrous tissue, calcium, and other cell particles that are deposited on small injury sites inside the artery. This leads to atherosclerosis. Arteries become hard and narrow due to the buildup of plaques. This inhibits the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
These are the risk factors that may lead to carotid artery disease: