Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid artery, located in the neck, brings blood to the brain.  The carotid artery, like other arteries in the body, can develop plaque in its wall, causing the opening of the artery to become narrow and interfering with the flow of blood to the brain.  If a piece of plaque breaks free and travels to the brain, it can block blood flow through an artery and cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke.

Our vascular surgeons offer the most up-to-date surgical procedures for treating carotid artery disease.  Our team members are experts at selecting the appropriate intervention for your condition.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries — the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. These deposits can cause blockages in the walls of arteries; as the blockages get bigger, the pathway for blood gets narrower. This makes it more difficult for blood to travel through the artery to the tissues of the body.

Atherosclerosis is not limited to the arteries in the heart; it can occur in arteries anywhere in your body. When deposits occur in the legs for example, the condition is called peripheral vascular disease.

Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Disease and Atherosclerosis

Routine screening by your physician can detect carotid artery disease and atherosclerosis.  Blood tests include checking for elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, blood sugar, and c-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation. 

  • Electrocardiograms and imaging tests that might be performed include things like cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, cardiac PET scans.
  • Coronary calcium scans measure the amount of calcium in the walls of your coronary arteries. 
  • Stress tests help your cardiologists determine how your heart functions during exercise. 

Treatment 

Treatment begins with healthy lifestyle choices.  These include:

  • Heart-healthy foods
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Weight control
  • Stress management
  • Smoking cessation, if you smoke

In some cases, your physician might suggest medication.  These may include:

  • Statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • Medications that control high blood pressure, which can make plaque buildup worse
  • Anticoagulants, or anti-clotting drugs, to reduce the risk of clot formation and its complications
  • Medication to control blood sugar, if you have diabetes