What is Carotid Stenosis?
Carotid stenosis is also known as carotid artery stenosis and is a medical condition where the carotid artery that supplies blood from the heart to the brain is narrowed or blocked. The carotid arteries are located on each side of the neck that brings blood to your brain, face and head.
Blockages are caused by a build-up of plaque, which is is made up of fatty deposits, calcium and cholesterol. Small amounts of these substances can be stuck within a blood vessel and can build up and cause a blockage and damage to the arteries over time.
The reduction to the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain can lead to a stroke, permanent brain damage or even death if not treated in time.
What are the symptoms of Carotid Stenosis?
Carotid Stenosis may be asymptomatic. Sometimes, one of the first signs of the disease is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or a mini-stroke. It is a sudden, temporary loss of blood flow to the brain. If you or someone you know is suffering from a TIA, seek medical attention immeidately as TIA may precede an ischemic stroke.
Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack include:
- Sudden confusion and difficulty talking or understanding speech
- Sudden weakness or numbness of one side of the body
- Sudden vision and balance problems
What are the risk factors of Carotid Stenosis?
There are several risk factors that may increase your risk of Carotid Stenosis over time, this includes:
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Smoking and use of tobacco products
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Age
How is Carotid Stenosis diagnosed?
Coronary Angiography
An coronary angiography may be done to check for narrowed or blocked arteries.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdomormalities.
