What Is Carotid Stenosis?

What’s Behind Carotid Stenosis?

Carotid stenosis is a narrowing of the carotid arteries, which are the main vessels responsible for supplying blood to your brain. Plaque, which is a mix of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, can build up inside the walls of these arteries. As this buildup progresses, it limits the amount of blood flowing to your brain and raises your risk of serious issues like strokes. Why does this narrowing happen in the first place? Carotid stenosis usually develops as part of a broader vascular issue known as atherosclerosis, which causes arteries throughout the body to harden and narrow. People who face higher risks include those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and those who smoke.

What Do The Carotid Arteries Do, and Why Are They So Important?

Your carotid arteries are located on both sides of your neck, and they serve as the brain’s main blood supply channels. They’re like two highways that keep your brain functioning by delivering oxygen-rich blood. If these highways experience blockages or narrowing, your brain may not receive enough oxygen. This lack of blood flow can lead to a stroke when brain cells start to die from a shortage of oxygen. Given the brain’s role in controlling everything from movement to memory, keeping your carotid arteries healthy is essential to overall well-being. Vascular doctors and specialists focus on identifying issues within the carotid arteries because they play such an important role in vascular care.

Symptoms That Could Point to Carotid Stenosis

One of the tricky things about carotid stenosis is that it can develop without causing noticeable symptoms until it’s quite advanced. For many, the first sign might be a transient ischemic attack, which is also known as a mini-stroke. During a TIA, blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked, which causes temporary symptoms that may include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance

These symptoms usually resolve within a few minutes to an hour, but they’re a serious warning sign that a more severe stroke could occur in the future. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to seek help. Reach out to a vascular doctor as soon as possible. People may overlook these symptoms or attribute them to other issues. However, recognizing these warning signs and seeking vascular treatment right away could be life-saving. A vascular specialist can determine your condition, discuss risk factors, and outline preventive steps to support your health.

How Carotid Stenosis Is Identified

If you or a loved one is at risk or showing symptoms of carotid stenosis, a medical evaluation is required. Diagnosing carotid stenosis involves a few non-invasive tests that provide clear images of the carotid arteries. Here’s what to expect:

• Ultrasound: This is usually the first test recommended, as it uses sound waves to create images of your carotid arteries and shows any narrowing or blockages.
• CT or MRI Angiography: These advanced imaging tests provide detailed views of blood flow through the carotid arteries, which gives your vascular specialist a closer look at any issues.
• Carotid Angiogram: This minimally invasive test is sometimes used if more detail is needed. A special dye is injected into the blood vessels, and X-rays track the dye as it moves through the carotid arteries.

Preventing Carotid Stenosis Before It Starts

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of developing carotid stenosis. Prevention focuses on lifestyle choices and monitoring certain health markers. Here are some steps you can take:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for vascular conditions, including carotid stenosis. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your vascular health.
• Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major contributor to artery damage. Regular check-ups and following your doctor’s advice on medication and lifestyle adjustments can help keep it in check.
• Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins help keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range and reduce the risk of plaque buildup.
• Stay Physically Active: Exercise improves circulation and supports vascular health, which lowers the risk of carotid artery narrowing.
• Control Diabetes: If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar within target levels is important. High blood sugar can lead to artery damage, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and carotid stenosis.

Do You Need Professional Vascular Treatment?

At National Vascular Associates, we know that a condition like carotid stenosis can be overwhelming, especially if you’re uncertain about what it all means or what steps to take. If you have symptoms or risk factors for carotid stenosis, reach out and explore your options for vascular care.