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Carotid Artery Disease: Risks and Symptoms

Carotid artery disease is a clogging of the blood vessels that often limits a person’s ability to get blood and oxygen in the brain. A blockage is often to blame for a stroke.

Although the disease often develops slowly, it can have significant consequences once the blood and oxygen stops flowing. Brain cells can begin to die within minutes, leading to a stroke that can cause permanent damage or death.

That is why it is important to understand the risk factors for carotid artery disease and some of the symptoms associated with it. The earlier you get diagnosed, the better your chance of properly treating the disease.

In the Sunshine State, it is vital to consult a surgery professional who can help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

How Carotid Artery Disease Works

This disease occurs when the blood vessels are clogged, which is often caused by fatty deposits that cause arteries to narrow. The carotid artery is the primary source of supply of blood to the brain. Its blockage increases the risk of a stroke by slowing that supply.

The disease can be caused by a number of factors that cause plaques to build up in the arteries. Many of those factors are related to lifestyle choices, while others may be genetic. They include:

  • Smoking

  • Lack of exercise

  • Obesity

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Sleep apnea

  • Age

  • Family history

Although none of these factors is guaranteed to cause carotid artery disease they do put a person at risk. It is important to discuss these factors with a doctor or Florida surgery professional if you show symptoms of the disease.

The symptoms come in a wide variety, including those commonly related to a stroke. They typically come on suddenly:

  • Dizziness

  • Trouble speaking

  • Confusion

  • Face, limb weakness or numbness

  • Vision problems

  • Severe headache

Because the disease often goes unnoticed until a person suffers a stroke, it is vital to act quickly. Seek emergency care if you believe you have suffered a stroke. 

Treatment

In some situations, lifestyle changes can reduce the risks associated with carotid artery disease. Losing weight, exercising and dropping cigarettes can also help stem the narrowing of arteries and ward off blockages. Medication to lower blood pressure can also go a long way.

Surgery may be necessary in other situations. A common way to treat the blockages is through carotid endarterectomy, a procedure designed to remove plaque buildup in the vessels. It is typically performed by an incision in the neck and often requires an overnight hospital stay. 

A carotid stent has become an increasingly popular option in situations where the blockage is difficult to reach or because a patient has other medical conditions that make surgery too dangerous. A wire mesh coil is inserted into the artery to prevent it from narrowing.

Because of the various treatment options - as well as the risk of leaving carotid artery disease untreated - it is crucial that anyone who has been diagnosed with the disease or experienced a stroke seek medical advice. In Florida, a seasoned surgeon can guide you through the treatment options.

Surgical Associates of Palm Beach County / Boca Care (SAPBC) is the oldest and largest Multi-Specialty Surgical group practice in South Palm Beach County, with over 250 years of combined surgical experience.
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