Carotid Artery Disease

Senior couple

Carotid arteries are the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Plaque can build up inside the arteries, over time, narrowing or blocking the blood vessels. This condition is called carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease can cause blood clots, warning signs called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and strokes.

Radiologists can perform tests to help your doctor diagnose the condition, including carotid duplex ultrasound, CT scan and CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and angiography.

Lifestyle changes and medications are often prescribed as a first line of treatment. However, carotid artery disease that is severe or has progressed may require surgery.

Your vascular surgeon may perform a carotid endarterectomy to remove the plaque blocking the artery. Carotid endarterectomy is safe and long lasting when performed by a qualified vascular surgeon in the proper circumstances, according to VascularWeb.org, Web site of the Society for Vascular Surgery. An alternative procedure, angioplasty and stenting, is sometimes performed when patients have medical conditions that increase the risks of carotid endarterectomy.

Read Carotid Artery Disease Details

Sources:
VascularWeb.org, Web site of the Society for Vascular Surgery
Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates

“Carotid endarterectomy is safe and long lasting when performed by a qualified vascular surgeon. An alternative procedure, angioplasty and stenting, is sometimes performed instead.”