Carotid Artery Blockages

Carotid artery disease occurs when the major arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries supply your brain with blood. Your carotid arteries extend from your aorta in your chest to the brain inside your skull. These are the main sources of blood supply to the brain and blockage of these vessels can cause debilitating or fatal strokes.

What causes carotid artery disease?

Hardening of the arteries causes most cases of carotid artery disease. You are more likely to develop carotid artery disease as you age. 1 percent of adults age 50 to 59 have significantly narrowed carotid arteries, but 10 percent of adults age 80 to 89 have this problem. Controlling factors that increase your chances of developing carotid artery disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, can help prevent the disease.

What are the treatment options?

Your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, and whether or not you are having symptoms, as well as your general health. As a first step, your surgeon may recommend medications and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight..

Having surgery to clean out these blockages provides a safe and long-lasting solution.