Carotid Artery Stenosis: Symptoms, causes & Treatment

Are you experiencing sudden weakness, dizziness, or blurred vision? These signs might indicate that you have carotid artery stenosis. This happens when your carotid artery becomes blocked or narrow This is from a build-up of plaque that blocks blood flow to your brain. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, like stroke. In this blog, we will discuss what carotid artery stenosis is, its symptoms, and treatment options. If you experience symptoms, don’t ignore them. You can consult the Best Cardiologist in Kolkata at BM Birla Hospital.

What is carotid artery stenosis?

Carotid artery stenosis happens when the carotid arteries become narrow or blocked. These arteries are located on both sides of your neck. They carry oxygen-rich blood to your brain. The narrowing usually happens due to plaque build-up. Plaque is a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Over time, this plaque hardens and restricts the flow of blood. If a blood clot forms, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. 

What are the symptoms of carotid artery stenosis?

The tricky thing about carotid artery stenosis is that you might not notice any symptoms. It can happen quietly, without any warning. However, if the narrowing becomes severe or leads to a blockage, symptoms might show up. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body.
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Blurred or lost vision in one eye.
• Dizziness or a feeling of unbalance.
• Sudden severe headache, with no reason why.
• Memory problems or trouble thinking clearly.

These symptoms can also be signs of a stroke. If you experience them, don’t wait. Seek medical attention immediately.

What are the causes and risk factors for carotid artery stenosis?

The primary cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque inside the arteries. This is caused by a few factors, such as:

• High cholesterol: High levels of bad cholesterol lead to plaque formation.
• High blood pressure: Over time, this can damage blood vessels, making them more prone to plaque build-up.
• Smoking: Smoking damages your arteries, increasing the risk.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, too.
• Age: The older you get, the more likely this condition becomes.
• Family history: If heart disease runs in your family, your risk is higher.

Other lifestyle factors can play a role. A poor diet, lack of exercise, and too much alcohol can all increase your risk. But here’s the good news: you can manage many of these risk factors with the right lifestyle changes.

How is carotid artery stenosis diagnosed?

If you suspect something’s wrong with your arteries, it’s important to get checked out. There are a few ways doctors can diagnose carotid artery stenosis:

• Physical exam: Your doctor might listen for a sound called a "bruit". This sound is caused by turbulent blood flow, which happens when arteries are narrowed.
• Carotid ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create pictures of your arteries. It can show how narrow your arteries are.
• CT scan or MRI: These detailed scans help to see the arteries clearly. They can show any blockages or plaque build-up.
• Angiography: In some cases, a doctor may use a special dye and an X-ray to see how blood flows through the arteries.

How is carotid artery stenosis treated?

If your carotid arteries are narrowed, treatment is necessary. The goal is to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke. There are two main treatment options: medications and surgery. Let's take a closer look.

Medications

For mild cases or to manage the condition, doctors might suggest medications. These can help control risk factors like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Some common medications include:

• Statins: These drugs help lower your cholesterol.
• Antiplatelet drugs: Medications like aspirin can help prevent blood clots.
• Blood pressure medications: Keeping blood pressure under control is crucial.

While these medicines can help, they might not be enough if the blockage is severe.

Surgical Treatments

If the narrowing is serious or has caused a stroke, surgery might be required. The two most common options are:

• Carotid endarterectomy: This is a surgery where the doctor removes the plaque from the carotid artery. It helps open up the artery and restore normal blood flow.
• Carotid artery stenting: In this procedure, a small mesh tube (stent) is inserted into the artery. This tube helps keep the artery open and allows blood to flow freely.

The decision between these two options depends on several factors, like the size of the blockage and your overall health. Your doctor will discuss the best choice for you.

Preventing Carotid Artery Stenosis

Prevention is always better than treatment, right? There are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of developing carotid artery stenosis:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: You should focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, it’s time to quit. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for artery damage.
• Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure: Regular check-ups can help you catch issues early.
• Control your diabetes: Keep your blood sugar under control with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Final Word

Carotid artery stenosis might sound scary, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it’s manageable. If you’re at risk, it’s important to make healthy choices. Eat well, exercise, and take care of your heart. If you experience symptoms, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and get checked. Taking action now can help prevent a serious stroke down the line. Stay healthy, and take control of your well-being.

FAQs

Can carotid artery stenosis cause a stroke?

Yes, carotid artery stenosis can reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke.

At what percentage of blockage is surgery needed?

Surgery is typically considered when the blockage is 70% or more, especially if symptoms are present.

Can carotid artery stenosis be reversed?

While the condition itself can’t be fully reversed, treatments can manage it and improve blood flow.

What are the warning signs of carotid artery stenosis?

Warning signs include sudden weakness, trouble speaking, vision loss, dizziness, or a severe headache.

Is carotid artery stenosis life-threatening?

Yes, if untreated, it can lead to a stroke, which can be life-threatening.