Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease, also known as ‘carotid artery stenosis’, is a health condition that can lead to stroke. Diagnosing and treating it early is thus vital to lower the risk of having a stroke.
At HeartCare Texas, our dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating carotid artery disease, ensuring personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
What is carotid artery disease?
When the carotid arteries in your neck get narrow or blocked, it's called carotid artery disease. These arteries are important because they supply blood to your brain. If they get too narrow, it can raise your risk of having a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to your brain gets blocked, which can cause brain damage.
What is the most common cause of carotid artery disease?
Carotid artery disease is often linked to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in the arteries. This plaque accumulation can gradually restrict blood flow through the arteries. It may also lead to the sudden formation of blood clots, potentially causing a stroke.
Several factors contribute to the development of carotid artery disease, including:
- Presence of coronary artery disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Family history of stroke
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides
- Advanced age, particularly among males
- Smoking or substance abuse
- Trauma to the neck region
What are the symptoms of carotid artery blockage?
In its early stages, carotid artery disease may not manifest any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may notice the following carotid artery disease symptoms:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on one side of the body.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Severe headache with no known cause
Why choose HeartCare Texas for carotid artery disease treatment?
Tests and diagnosis
At HeartCare Texas, we diagnose carotid artery disease through a thorough evaluation, which includes conducting a physical examination to assess blood flow in the neck and detect any abnormal sounds known as a bruit.
We may also perform additional tests, such as blood tests to evaluate your overall health, and utilize imaging studies like cerebral angiography, CT angiography (CTA), MR angiography (MRA), and carotid duplex ultrasound to visualize the blood vessels in your brain and neck.
Personalized treatment
Treatment strategies for carotid artery stenosis aim to alleviate blockages and reduce the risk of stroke-causing blood clots. Our treatment options may include:
- Blood-thinning medications to prevent clot formation
- Carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove plaque buildup from the carotid artery
- Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting to widen the narrowed artery and improve blood flow. Dr. Lal specializes in putting stents in the carotid arteries
- Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow without major incisions
Our team at HeartCare Texas provides comprehensive care and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.