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Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when those blood vessels become narrowed or blocked with fatty deposits called plaque. This blockage can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing brain injury and potentially leading to stroke.

The team of vascular specialists at UPMC performs advanced procedures, including carotid artery stenting, to treat carotid artery disease.

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What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease, also known as carotid stenosis, occurs when your carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of fatty material called plaque inside your artery.

Your carotid arteries are located on either side of your neck and supply blood to your brain. Blocked or narrowed carotid arteries increase your risk of having a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which are caused by a lack of blood flow to your brain.

How common is carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease is common, with the United States reporting more than 200,000 new cases each year.

What are the stages of carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease is usually categorized into three stages:

  • Mild — Less than 50 percent of the artery is blocked.
  • Moderate — 50–79 percent of the artery is blocked.
  • Severe — 80–99 percent of the artery is blocked.

What causes carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits build up in the inner layer of the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.

This plaque can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow or blocking it completely. A blood clot can also suddenly form, blocking blood flow to the brain. If the clot completely closes the artery, a stroke may occur.

What are carotid artery disease risk factors and complications?

Carotid artery disease risk factors

Carotid artery disease risk factors include:

Complications of carotid artery disease

Left undiagnosed or untreated, carotid artery disease can lead to stroke.

How can I reduce my risks of carotid artery disease?

Certain risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed. However, lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of developing carotid artery disease.

  • Diet – Eat a healthy, low-fat diet. Limit foods with saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added salt, and sugar.
  • Exercise – Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, or 150 minutes per week.
  • Alcohol – Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
  • Tobacco – Quit smoking. That includes electronic cigarettes.
  • Weight – Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of high blood pressure and other health risks.
  • Cholesterol – Have your cholesterol checked every year. If diet and exercise aren't enough to control your cholesterol, you may be prescribed medication.
  • Blood sugar – Control your blood sugar levels through regular exercise and a low-sugar diet.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease doesn't usually cause symptoms in its early stages. Many people don't realize they have carotid artery disease until the blood flow to their brain is blocked, and they experience a stroke or TIA.

Symptoms of a stroke or TIA usually occur suddenly and may include:

  • Numbness or weakness in your face or limbs that may affect only one side of your body.
  • Trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Vision problems in one or both eyes.
  • Problems with balance or coordination.
  • Dizziness.
  • A severe headache.

When should I see a doctor about my carotid artery disease symptoms?

The first sign that you may have carotid artery disease could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA). If you suspect that you or someone you know is having a stroke or TIA, get emergency medical care immediately.

Other signs of carotid artery disease are:

  • Severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Memory loss.
  • Cognitive problems.
  • Tenderness in the neck area, often with pain that goes up the neck to the jaw, ear, or forehead.

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How Do You Diagnose Carotid Artery Disease?

If your doctor suspects you have carotid artery disease, he or she may order certain tests. These include:

  • Computerized tomographic (CT) scan – This imaging test uses cross-sectional x-rays and a computer to create detailed 3D images.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – MRI uses a large magnetic field, radio waves, and computers to create detailed images of your veins.
  • Angiography – This imaging test looks at the arteries that supply your heart muscle using a powerful x-ray machine to produce images of your heart and heart vessels.
  • Ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to show how well your blood flows through your blood vessels.

Carotid artery disease prognosis

Carotid artery stenosis can be dangerous if it’s not caught and treated quickly. This condition can cause a stroke, which can lead to death or disability. Your prognosis and treatment will depend on the amount of blockage in your artery.

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How Do You Treat Carotid Artery Disease?

UPMC offers a full range of state-of-the-art treatments for carotid artery disease, including:.

Medications for carotid artery disease

Carotid artery disease may be treated with medications that prevent blood clots or lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Surgical procedures for carotid artery disease

  • Carotid endarterectomy – During a carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon will make an incision on the side of your neck and open your carotid artery to remove the blockage.
  • Carotid artery stenting – During carotid artery stenting, your surgeon will remove the blockage in your carotid artery using a special catheter inserted into your artery through a small incision in your groin. Your surgeon will guide the catheter to the site of the blockage and inflate a tiny balloon to clear the blockage away. After the blockage is removed, your surgeon will insert a tiny expandable coil called a stent to hold your carotid artery open.

How effective is treatment?

Carotid artery disease surgical treatments are effective in reducing the risk of stroke for patients of all ages. However, results do change with age; 96 percent of people under age 75 are stroke-free after five years. Eighty-two percent of people over age 75 are stroke-free after five years.

Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.