Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries are the major arteries in your neck that supply your brain with blood. Carotid artery disease occurs when these arteries become narrowed or blocked with a substance called plaque. This condition can cause a stroke if the plaque prompts a blood clot to form that blocks the artery, stopping the flow of blood to the brain.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, the first symptom of carotid artery disease may be a stroke. However, people with carotid artery disease sometimes experience stroke-like attacks called Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), which last for a few minutes to an hour and can involve one or more of these symptoms:

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body
• Being unable to speak clearly
• Inability to control the movement of an arm or leg
• Losing vision in one eye

Don’t ignore these symptoms, even if they go away quickly - see a doctor. A TIA is a warning sign of carotid artery disease and a possible stroke in the future.

Causes

Carotid artery disease is caused by hardened or clogged arteries (a condition also called atherosclerosis). Factors that lead to hardened arteries include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, aging, diabetes, or a family history of the condition.

Prevention

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help you keep your cholesterol and blood pressure down, keep your arteries clear, and prevent carotid artery disease.

• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat sources of protein such as nuts and fish
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight and keep diabetes under control
• Quit smoking

 Diagnostic Testing

• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing
  • Blood Tests
  • Chest X-rays
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG,ECG)
  • Lung and Oxygen Tests
  • Medical History & Physical Exam
  • Peripheral Vascular Studies
• Cardiac Cath Lab Diagnostic Procedures
  • Cardiac Catheterization

Treatment Procedures

• Cardiac Cath Lab Interventional Procedures
  • Stent Placement
• Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Carotid Endarterectomy

Medication

Taking medications is one of the most important aspects of your treatment. To get the most benefit from your heart medications and avoid mistakes and complications, it helps to understand why you’re taking them and how they work.

 Intermountain Healthcare resources on blood pressure

• Blood Pressure Basics: What you need to know to manage your blood pressure
• Blood Pressure Tracker: A tool for keeping track of your blood pressure

Intermountain Healthcare resources on cholesterol and nutrition

• Understanding Cholesterol
• Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
• The Weigh to Health: What you need to know to reach and maintain a healthy weight
  • En Español
• Healthy Choices for Families
• En Español

Intermountain Healthcare resources on heart healthy living

• Journey to Freedom: A Guide to Quitting Smoking
  • En Español
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 7 - Activity for a Healthy Heart
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 9 - More Healthy Habits

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
• Medline Plus Heart Pages