Carotid artery disease- Symptoms and treatment
The carotid arteries are blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, face, and the neck. These arteries are located in the neck. There are two carotid arteries, one is situated on the left side and the other on the right side of the neck. In fact, the carotid artery pulse may be easily felt by placing the fingertips against the side of the windpipe. The build-up of fatty substances, inflammatory cells, proteins, excess calcium, and other waste products, collectively known as plaque, in the carotid arteries leads to the narrowing of these blood vessels.

Let us take a look at some of the carotid artery disease symptoms and causes, and explore ways to get it diagnosed and treated.

What are the risk factors associated with the carotid artery disease?
Almost anyone with a family history of heart disease may develop carotid artery disease . Yet, there are certain factors, like the ones mentioned below, that put a person in a high-risk group.

• Lifestyle habits such as smoking, eating a diet rich in salt, and more
• Suffering from diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension
• Obesity
• Suffering from high cholesterol or abnormal lipids
• Age
• An inactive lifestyle

What are the common signs of carotid artery disease?

• Carotid artery disease is a silent killer. It often produces no symptoms or only shows very subtle signs until it is too late and the patient suffers a stroke or a transient ischemic attack.
• It is important to watch out for a sudden and severe headache that is accompanied by blurry vision in one or both the eyes.
• Another of the main carotid artery disease symptoms involves a feeling of numbness in the face and the limbs. This loss of sensation is generally restricted to only one side of the body.
• Patients also tend to feel dazed and confused. Speech may get slurred and the tongue may feel unnaturally heavy.
• The affected individual may suffer from a memory loss.
• People may encounter problems with swallowing food or water.

What is a stroke?

• A stroke happens when a blood vessel to the brain becomes completely blocked or when it bursts.
• This leads to the oxygen supply getting cut off from the nerve cells in the brain.
• A stroke may prove to be fatal as it may result in a brain hemorrhage or atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• Carotid artery disease is one of the major causes of a stroke.

How is carotid artery disease diagnosed?

• Carotid artery disease symptoms are often hard to detect. Therefore, anyone with a family history of heart disease should go for regular check-ups.
• An initial examination is performed with the help of a stethoscope.
• The doctor may also recommend a series of tests that include a carotid ultrasound, a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a computed tomography angiography (CTA), and a cerebral angiography.

What are the treatment options available for this condition?

• Most cases of stenosis require a procedure known as carotid endarterectomy. This is a surgery in which the excess plaque that blocks the artery is removed.
• For patients who cannot face the risk of a carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting is performed. This stent helps widen the artery that is blocked.
• For patients who are at a high risk of stroke, aspirin and clopidogrel are prescribed.
• Cholesterol-lowering medications and blood thinners may also be given.

How can I prevent an onset of the carotid artery disease?

• Cut back on the intake of saturated fats in your diet.
• Quit smoking to reduce the risk of a stroke.
• Limit the intake of salt in your diet. Experts recommend that an average adult should not consume more than 1500 milligrams of salt per day.
• Exercise regularly to stay fit and keep your heart healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight automatically reduces your risk of developing a heart disease.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Minimize the consumption of red meat.