Carotid Artery Disease Explained
What is carotid artery disease, how it leads to stroke, and what treatments are available.
What is Carotid Artery Disease?
You have two carotid arteries — one on each side of your neck — that carry blood from your heart to your brain. Over time, fatty deposits (plaque) can build up inside these arteries, making them narrow. This is called carotid artery stenosis. If a piece of plaque breaks off, it can travel to your brain and block a smaller artery, causing a stroke. Carotid artery disease is one of the leading causes of stroke.
Risk Factors You Can Control
High blood pressure (the biggest risk factor), high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity all contribute to plaque buildup. The good news is that all of these are controllable. Managing these risk factors can slow, stop, or even partially reverse carotid artery disease. Regular check-ups and blood tests help monitor your cardiovascular health.
How is it Diagnosed?
A simple, painless ultrasound scan of the neck (carotid Doppler) can detect narrowing. Your doctor might also hear a 'whooshing' sound (bruit) with a stethoscope during a routine check-up. If significant narrowing is found, CT angiography or MR angiography provides detailed images to plan treatment.
Treatment Options
Mild narrowing is managed with medication (blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs) and lifestyle changes. Significant narrowing (more than 70%) may require intervention: Carotid stenting (a minimally invasive procedure where a small mesh tube is placed to keep the artery open — Dr. Hilal pioneered this in Kashmir), or carotid endarterectomy (surgery to remove the plaque). The choice depends on individual factors your doctor will discuss with you.
Key Takeaways
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Carotid arteries supply blood to your brain — narrowing increases stroke risk
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High blood pressure and smoking are the biggest risk factors
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A simple neck ultrasound can detect carotid disease
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Stenting is a minimally invasive treatment alternative to surgery
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Lifestyle changes can slow or prevent worsening
When to See a Doctor
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Temporary vision loss in one eye (like a curtain falling)
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Brief episodes of weakness or numbness on one side
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Slurred speech that lasts a few minutes and then resolves
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If you have multiple stroke risk factors and are over 60
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If you had a mini-stroke (TIA) — urgent evaluation needed
Need Expert Advice?
Consult with our neurological specialists for personalised guidance.