Carotid artery disease is a common cause of stroke. It occurs when plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries. These are the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

There are two large common carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck. Each of these arteries separates into an external and internal carotid artery leading up to the brain.

Plaque is a combination of fat, calcium, cholesterol, and other substances. Over time, plaque can build up in these arteries in a process called atherosclerosis. Plaque buildups narrow the arteries and make it more difficult for blood to get through them.

A narrowed carotid artery poses a serious risk, as it may reduce or block the blood flow to the brain, which could cause a stroke.

Carotid artery disease is different from coronary artery disease. This is because carotid artery disease reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, while coronary artery disease reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

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Many people with carotid artery disease do not have any symptoms at first. Carotid artery disease generally starts causing noticeable symptoms as the condition gets worse.

Severe narrowing of the artery or a blockage in it may cause serious signs and symptoms, including:

Bruit

A carotid bruitTrusted Source is a sound present in the carotid arteries of some people with carotid artery disease.

During a physical examination, the doctor will place a stethoscope on the neck near the carotid arteries and listen for a slight “whooshing” sound. Bruit may suggest that the person has reduced blood flow through the artery due to atherosclerosis.

Transient ischemic attack

Some people may not experience symptoms of carotid artery disease until they have a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

A TIA is very similar to a stroke, but it is not as severe. Both TIAs and strokes occurTrusted Source due to blockages that reduce blood flow to the brain. Some people may refer to it as a mini stroke. However, it still requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of both a TIA and stroke include:

  • a sudden, unexplained, severe headache
  • dizziness
  • loss of balance
  • trouble speaking or slurred speech
  • vision difficulties, such as trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
  • weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, often on one side of the body
  • inability to move one or more limbs

Anyone experiencing these symptoms needs urgent medical attention. If a person experiences a TIA, the symptoms generally go away within the first 24 hours.

Stroke

Carotid artery disease is a common cause of stroke. Specifically, it may causeTrusted Source a type of stroke known as an ischemic stroke.

A stroke causes the same symptoms as a TIA, but the results may be more severe. A stroke may lead to permanent brain damage due to loss of oxygen. A stroke may cause permanent vision problems, speech issues, or long-term disability. In some cases, a stroke may lead to paralysis or death.

Anyone who notices signs of a TIA or stroke should seek emergency medical help immediately.

Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup is the direct cause of carotid artery disease. This buildup results in a narrowing or hardening of the carotid arteries, which slows or blocks blood flow to the brain.

Although the components of plaque exist in the blood itself, they are more likely to gather in microscopic areas of damage in the arteries.

This damage occurs as a result of genetic factors, as well as the effects of diet and lifestyle choices over time. Major contributing risk factors for damage and plaque buildup in the arteries includeTrusted Source:

Diagnosing carotid artery disease as early as possible is important to prevent potentially life threatening complications, such as stroke.

A doctor will ask the person about their medical history and lifestyle habits. If the doctor feels that a person may be at risk for carotid artery disease, they may run a physical exam or order other tests to check the person’s blood health.

Listening for a bruit is part of a physical exam. If doctors listen to the arteries and hear a bruit, they will order additional tests.

Imaging tests

Doctors generally use one or more imaging tests to see inside the carotid arteries and check for narrowing. Imaging tests include ultrasounds and angiography.

A carotid ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the arteries. It is the most common form of imaging test for carotid artery disease, and in most cases, it can help reveal any narrowing of the arteries.

An angiography is an imaging test that uses a special dye to make the arteries show up clearly in the image.

Doctors will inject the dye into the area, then use either X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to make images of the arteries as the dye passes through them. This test can help doctors see any narrowing or blockages in the artery.

Treatment for carotid artery disease is vital to reduce the risk of life threatening complications and keep the disease from progressing.

Treatment includesTrusted Source making dietary and lifestyle changes. In some cases, a person may need to take medication or undergo a surgical procedure.

Dietary and lifestyle changes

Dietary and lifestyle changes are an essential part of a treatment plan for carotid artery disease. A doctor may recommend:

  • eating a “heart-healthy diet”
  • reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
  • staying physically active
  • quitting smoking, if applicable
  • managing other conditions, such as diabetes or heart conditions

General diet tips

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)Trusted Source note that a general heart-healthy diet includes reducing the intake of:

  • sodium
  • saturated fats
  • trans fats
  • added sugars
  • alcohol

Instead, the person should focus on a balanced heart-healthy diet, rich in foods such as:

  • vegetables
  • fruits
  • whole grains
  • low fat dairy products
  • lean meats, poultry, and fish
  • eggs
  • legumes
  • nuts and seeds

Medications

Doctors may also recommend taking medications to help manage carotid artery disease.

Common medications include drugs to keep the blood from clotting, such as aspirin or clopidogrel. Doctors may recommend additional drugs, such as those that control cholesterol or lower blood pressure, depending on a person’s underlying risk factors.

Medical procedures

People who experience symptoms of carotid artery disease or are at risk for major complications may need to have one or more medical procedures to reduce their risk.

Possible procedures include:

Angioplasty and stenting

Angioplasty and stenting can help widen the carotid arteries and increase blood flow to the brain if the person has severe narrowing from plaque.

During an angioplasty procedure, doctors insert a thin tube with a tiny deflated balloon on its end into the narrow artery. With the tube in place, they inflate the balloon, which pushes the plaque out toward the artery wall, helping restore blood flow through the artery.

With the artery expanded, doctors can place a stent — a thin mesh tube — in the area. The stent will help support and strengthen the artery from the inside, and it will keep the artery from narrowing in that area again.

Endarterectomy

EndarterectomyTrusted Source is not as common, and may not be right for everyone. Doctors may recommend it for more severe narrowing or blockages.

During this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut into the neck to reach the narrowed artery. When they find the blockage, they will make a cut in the artery and remove the inner lining in that area. Doing this eliminates the cause of the blockage, which helps restore blood flow.

Carotid artery disease is not the same as coronary artery disease, although they stem from the same issue. Both diseases occur as a result of the buildup of plaque in the arteries. As such, they both have similar risk factors.

However, carotid artery disease is a buildup of plaque in the arteries leading to the brain, whereas coronary artery disease is a buildup of plaque in the arteries leading to the heart.

What is the most common cause of carotid artery disease?

The most common cause of carotid artery disease is atherosclerosis. This describes the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Can you live a long life with carotid artery disease?

Evidence suggests it is possible to live a long life with carotid artery disease. However, this will depend on several factors, such as a person’s age, symptoms, and treatment. For example, it is highly advisable to receive treatment and try to reduce the risk of having a stroke by modifying risk factors, such as increasing levels of physical activity.

What foods should you avoid with carotid artery disease?

Dietary changes can help to manage carotid artery disease. As such, it is advisable to avoid foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. This can include red meat, processed meat, whole-dairy products, and foods with trans fats such as French fries and doughnuts.

How fast does carotid artery disease progress?

Carotid artery disease often develops slowly. Generally, worsening of the condition will take a few years. However, the progression of the disease can vary between people and it is possible for it to progress rapidly in some individuals.

Carotid artery disease causes narrowing or blockages in the arteries leading to the brain, known as the carotid arteries.

Many health conditions and unhealthful lifestyle choices can increase the risk of plaque buildup and carotid artery disease.

Successful treatment includes making dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the plaque buildup in the arteries and lower the risk of serious complications, such as stroke. In some cases, a person may require medications or medical procedures.

Anyone who notices signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech or weakness, should seek emergency medical attention.