Carotid artery disease

Overview

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.

Symptoms

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:

• Numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache that occurs without any reason
• Slurred speech and problem with understanding
• Eyesight problem on one or both eyes
• Dizziness or suddenly feeling out of balance

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.

Causes

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.

Risk factors

These are the risk factors that may lead to carotid artery disease:

• High blood pressure: When the arterial walls experience extreme pressure, they become prone to injury.
• Diabetes: Diabetes decreases fat processing ability, which holds a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
• High blood-fat levels: When low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fat) levels increase, the buildup of plaques will be increased.
• Age: Aging causes the arteries to be stiff and at risk for injury.
• Family history: Having a family member with a coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis increases your chance of developing a carotid artery disease
• Lack of exercise: Being inactive leads to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts you at risk of having atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Tobacco smoking: The artery walls are irritated from the nicotine, which also causes high blood pressure and higher heart rate.
• Sleep apnea: Interrupted breathing while asleep may lead to stroke.