Carotid Artery Disease

Comprehensive Vascular and Endovascular Care


What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Q: What is carotid artery disease?
A: This occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessel to the brain, develop a buildup of plaque caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.  When the buildup becomes very severe, it can cause a stroke.  The process is similar to the buildup of plaque in arteries in the heart that causes heart attacks.

Q: What is a stroke?
A: A stroke occurs when part of the brain is damaged by vascular problems.  Eight percent of strokes are “ischemic strokes,” where part of the circulation to the brain is cut off, usually due to blockage in the carotid arteries.

Q: How serious is a stroke caused by carotid artery disease?
A: A stroke can paralyze the arms or legs, affect the ability to speak or eat and even be fatal.  Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. today, and the leading cause of permanent disability among older Americans.

Q: What are the major risk factors for strokes?
A:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressured)
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history of stroke
  • Prior stroke
  • Irregular heartbeat, particularly atrial fibrillation
  • Heart or leg bypass, or other treatment for severe circulatory problems

Q: What are the warning signs for a stroke?
A:

  • Sudden weakness or clumsiness of a hand
  • Sudden weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg
  • Unexplained slurring of speech or garbled talk
  • Sudden blurriness or blindness in one eye
  • Severe dizziness or near-blackout
  • Severe, unremitting headache

Q: How is carotid artery disease diagnosed?
A: Carotid artery disease cannot be detected in a doctor’s office.  But it can be easily and accurately diagnosed using an ultrasound scan that is simple, painless and takes only a few minutes.

Q: When is treatment for carotid artery disease necessary?
A: Most cases do not require treatment – developing some plaque in the carotid arteries is normal as one ages.  But when plaque causes a blockage of 60-70% or more, or causes transient ischemic attacks, or “mini-strokes,” treatment may be required.

Q: If I have carotid artery disease, what can I do to prevent a stroke?
A: A surgical procedure called a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to be the best defense against stroke due to severe CAD.

Q: What does a carotid endarterectomy involve?
A:

  • The procedure removes the plaque form inside the artery wall, restoring blood flow to normal.
  • Only a small incision in the neck is required and in many cases, load anesthesia can be used.
  • Most patients go home the morning after surgery and quickly resume normal activities without restrictions.
  • Surgery is usually successful, but there is some risk of having a stroke during the procedure.  However, this risk is far outweighed by the risk of stroke if nothing is done.

Q: How successful are carotid endarterectomies?
A: After the CEA procedure, more than 90% of patients are free from stroke and have normal carotid arteries for the rest of their lives.

Q: Are there any other treatment available?
A: Studies have confirmed that for patients with severe carotid artery disease, carotid endarterectomy is better at preventing a stroke that any other medical treatment available.  But doctors have begun to investigate new procedures, including balloon angioplasty and stent placement in the carotid arteries.  While early results are not as positive as a CEA, recent advances in procedures and equipment could prove promising.

Q: Where can I learn more about carotid artery disease?
A: Ultimately, the success of the American Vascular Association (AVA) program depends on educating the public about the critical importance of vascular disease.  It’s essential that all of our patients learn how best to protect and enhance their vascular wellness.

 

For more information on the AVA and its Screening Program, and other information about vascular problems, Please visit them at: www.vascularweb.org or call 1-877-AVA-2010.

 

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