What is carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease, also known as carotid artery stenosis, is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and is typically a result of a blood clot clogging an artery. Carotid artery disease is the narrowing of the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries in the neck that provide blood to the brain. Plaque, from built up cholesterol and fat in the lining of an artery,  is usually the cause of the narrowing of the carotid arteries.

How do I know if I have carotid artery disease?
You may or may not have symptoms with carotid artery disease. This disease is often found when doctors listen to the artery with a stethoscope and hear an abnormal sound called a bruit.  It can also easily be found with an ultrasound probe that is placed on the side of the neck where the carotid arteries are located.

What kind of treatment is available for carotid artery disease?
Anti-clotting medication is available for people with arteries that are narrowed less than 50 percent. Depending on the severity of the stenosis, surgery is usually successful for people with more than 50 percent blockage. The surgery, called carotid endarterectomy,  removes the plaque that is blocking/narrowing the artery. Carotid endarterectomies are typically most successful on patients with more than 70 percent blockage.