Carotid
How to Prevent Clogged Arteries: The Top Cause of Disability
Carotid artery disease, or carotid artery stenosis, is a blockage and backup of fatty deposits (called plaques) in the carotid arteries, vessels in the neck that carry blood to the face, head, and brain, that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or a transient ischemic attack. Reports have shown that 1 out of every 15 deaths are caused by stroke and has become the leading cause of permanent disability in the United States.
Carotid
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common cause of carotid artery disease is
* Atherosclerosis
Risk factors involved include
* Age (increases with age)
* Sleep apnea
* Lack of exercise
* Family History of atherosclerosis
* Smoking
* Diabetes
* Obesity
* Hypertension
* High cholesterol
* Diagnosis
Carotid artery disease can be easily detected using a stethoscope during a routine checkup in most cases. After a complete family history evaluation and physical examination, our vascular team may recommend the following tests for a more complete diagnosis:
* Angiogram/Anteriogram
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
* Carotid Artery Duplex Scan
* Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
* Ultrasound
* Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Prevention
You can safeguard against carotid artery stenosis by:
* Exercising regularly
* Losing weight
* Maintain a low cholesterol, low sodium, high fiber diet
* Limiting alcohol consumption
* Adhering to medication regimens that treat diabetes, high cholesterol, blood clots and hypertension
Treatment
Once carotid artery disease shows progression and is likely to be an imminent danger to your health, our vascular team will decide on the following surgical treatments:
Minimally invasive technique under local anesthesia
Carotid angioplasty and stenting is performed by threading a tiny balloon through a catheter to open the area around the clog and then a wire mesh stent is placed to keep the vessel open and clear of obstruction.
Invasive technique under general anesthesia
Carotid endarterectomy is performed by making an incision in your neck and surgically removing the plaque from the artery.