Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries are located along both sides of the neck and are the primary source of blood to the brain. A blockage in one or both can lead to a stroke. Every 45 seconds someone in the US has a stroke.

What puts you at risk to have a stroke?

• Hardening of the arteries
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Family history of stroke
• Personal history of stroke
• Personal history of heart or leg bypass
• Age

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

(If you experience any of these symptoms dial 911 immediately.)

• Sudden onset of numbness, weakness,paralysis, and/or loss of coordination on one side of the body
• Drooping of one side of the mouth or face
• Sudden onset of temporary loss of vision in one eye. This is described sometimes as a curtain shade being drawn down over one of the eyes
• Inability to speak and/or understand spoken or written words or thick and garbled speech
• Brief period of time that cannot be recalled
• Loss of consciousness
• Carotid artery bruit (noise heard over the carotid artery your doctor can hear with a stethoscope)

How is carotid artery blockage diagnosed?

• History and physical exam
• Carotid duplex ultrasound
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Arteriogram/Angiogram

How is carotid artery blockage treated?

Treatment depends on severity of blockage, symptoms, and overall health of person but may include:

• Risk factor reduction
• Medication
• Surgery to remove the blockage
• Stent placement for patients at increased risk of complications during surgery