A health condition in which the blood vessels that supply the brain and head (carotid arteries) become clogged with fatty deposits (also called plaques) is called carotid artery disease. People who experience this condition have an increased risk of developing strokes, which is a medical emergency. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is greatly reduced or stopped. As a result, the brain does not receive enough oxygen, causing the cells to die. Furthermore, in the U.S., stroke is one of the most common causes of death and disability.
In most cases, carotid artery disease develops slowly, and the first symptoms of the condition may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. TIA happens when the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted.
Healthcare professionals usually recommend medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery (sometimes) to treat carotid artery disease.
Symptoms
Usually, people with carotid artery disease do not experience any symptoms until the condition advances. However, those who suffer from this condition usually experience sudden numbness or weakness (that happens in the face, limbs, or one side of the body), speaking problems, eye problems, dizziness or loss of balance, and severe headaches without any obvious reasons.
If you notice stroke or TIA symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
The primary cause of carotid artery disease is fatty buildup in the arteries that supply the head and brain with blood. These fatty deposits, also called plaques, consist of cholesterol, fat, and blood cells that may form in the artery. The process by which plaques occur is called atherosclerosis. People who experience carotid artery disease do not receive enough oxygen to the entire head, causing cells of the brain to die.
Risk Factors
Physicians have identified certain factors that may increase the risk of developing carotid artery disease. For example:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) – Increased pressure on the artery walls may cause weakness and damage to these arteries.
- Tobacco product use – Generally, smoking increases the risk of multiple health problems, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. However, nicotine may cause irritation of the lining of the arteries.
- Diabetes – This condition reduces the ability to process fats, which significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
- High blood-fat levels – People with increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides are more likely to develop fatty deposits in the arteries.
- Family history – If you have a parent or sibling with carotid artery disease, your risk of developing it also increases.
- Age – Older people also are more prone to develop this condition because the arteries become less flexible as a normal part of aging making them more likely to be injured.
- Obesity – Excessive body weight also increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
- Sleep apnea – This condition may increase the risk of stroke.
- Lack of physical exercise – Those who never perform physical exercises are at increased risk of developing conditions that damage the arteries. These include hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and others.
Complications
Approximately 10% to 15% of all diagnosed strokes occur due to carotid artery disease. This complication is a medical emergency because it may cause permanent damage to the brain, muscle weakness, and even death. Check below for some examples of how carotid artery disease causes strokes:
- Decreased blood flow – A narrowed or clogged artery may cause reduced blood flow to the brain. Therefore, the brain receives less oxygen, which causes the cells to die.
- Ruptures plaques – Sometimes, a small part of the fatty deposits may break and go to the brain arteries. As a result, the blood supply may be interrupted in a part of the brain.
- Blood clot blockage – Normally, the body sends blood cells to help the clotting process when even small irregularities occur on the artery wall. As a result, it may lead to a blood clot that blocks or reduces blood flow to the brain.
How to Prevent Carotid Artery Disease?
The following tips may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening the condition. For example:
- Quit smoking or never begin
- Try to get and maintain a healthy weight because excessive body weight increases the risk of multiple serious health problems, including sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and others.
- Adopt a healthy diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and others. Limit fat and cholesterol, especially saturated and trans fats.
- Limit salt (aim for less than 1,500 milligrams per day)
- Regularly exercise
- Limit or avoid alcoholic drinks
- Manage chronic health problems (such as diabetes)
Diagnosis
In most cases, the diagnosis of carotid artery disease begins with a medical history evaluation and a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked with the disease (such as a swooshing sound in the neck over the carotid artery). Next tests may include physical and mental abilities including memory, speech, and strength.
Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound – This test uses sound waves that help see blood flow and pressure in the carotid arteries.
- CT (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans – These imaging tests are performed by doctors when they think there is a stroke or other serious health problems.
- CT angiography or MR angiography – These tests are used to get more details about the carotid arteries.
Treatment
The treatment goal is to lessen the symptoms and prevent strokes. However, there are several treatment options for people with carotid artery disease. Check below for some treatments used in people with a mild form of the disease:
- Lifestyle changes – These include weight loss, quitting smoking, eating healthy foods, and regular physical exercises, and others.
- Medicines – These include anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and medicines to lower cholesterol levels.
However, people with severe carotid artery disease (such as narrowed or blocked arteries, stroke, TIA, or reduced blood flow to the brain) may need procedures that open clogged arteries and restore blood flow. These include:
- Carotid endarterectomy – During this procedure, surgeons will open the blocked carotid artery by making a cut along the neck front. Thereafter, they will remove the plaques that reduce the blood flow to the head and brain. Furthermore, this is the most common treatment option used in people with severe carotid artery disease.
- Carotid angioplasty and stenting – Physicians recommend this procedure when the blockages are hard to reach with previous surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can carotid artery disease be cured?
Unfortunately, there are no ways to cure the condition, but there are some treatments that may treat and manage it. The most common treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery (in severe cases).
What are the primary symptoms of carotid artery disease?
These include:
- Vision problems (including blurred vision, loss of vision, and others)
- Loss of feeling or drooping of one side of the body
- Speaking and understanding problems
- Weakness
- Numbness
If any of the previous symptoms occur, immediately go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in the U.S.
What foods should be avoided with carotid arteries?
Eating the following foods in high amounts may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis as well as other diseases that may lead to carotid artery disease. Examples include:
- Red meat, especially high in saturated fat
- Processed meats (including bacon, burgers, ham, and salami)
- Sugary drinks (such as sodas)
- Foods high in trans fats (including margarine, partially hydrogenated oils, and others)
- Refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, white bread, white pasta, and others)
- Foods that contain high cholesterol levels (such as meat, cheese, eggs, and others)
This article does not contain all the foods that should be avoided by people with carotid artery disease. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
