Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when the major arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) that supply blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked. This is caused by a build-up of plaque, which causes the arteries to narrow and stiffen through a process called atherosclerosis. CAD is most commonly associated with ageing and is usually found in patients aged 70 years and above.
If a piece of plaque breaks off and travels through the arteries, it can lodge in a smaller artery in the brain and cause a stroke. Warning symptoms of a stroke are called Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs), with symptoms lasting from several minutes to less than 24 hours. These symptoms can include feelings of weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation on one side of the body (leg, arm or face), sudden loss of vision, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, severe headache, dizziness or loss of balance.
TIAs should not be ignored as they indicate a serious risk of a stroke.
Risk Reduction
The risk of developing carotid artery disease and stroke can be reduced through lifestyle changes including quitting smoking, taking regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling high blood pressure, lowering high cholesterol and managing diabetes well.
Diagnostic Techniques
Investigations used to assess carotid artery disease include carotid duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography (CT), CT angiography (CTA) and diagnostic angiography.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the degree of narrowing, the patient’s symptoms and overall health. Medications and lifestyle changes are appropriate for early or mild disease.
Carotid endarterectomy and patch angioplasty is an open procedure that involves making an incision into the artery at the location of the carotid plaque, removing the plaque and repairing the artery with a patch to widen the vessel.
Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) involves gaining access to the femoral artery in the groin using ultrasound guidance and guiding a thin catheter through the blood vessels to the location of the carotid plaque. A small umbrella-like embolic protection device is inserted beyond the diseased portion of the carotid artery to capture any dislodged particles. A stent is then placed to hold the artery open and restore normal blood flow.
Related Resources
Below are some of the Resources related to Carotid Artery Disease/Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA) and Strokes (CVA).
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Treatments Available for Carotid Artery Disease/Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA) and Strokes (CVA)
Below are some of the treatments we have available for Carotid Artery Disease/Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA) and Strokes (CVA). Click on the below to learn more or get in touch with us to request a consultation.
Angioplasty and Stenting
Angioplasty and stenting opens narrowed or blocked arteries by inflating a small balloon inside the vessel and, where needed, placing a mesh tube to hold it open. It is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for many arterial conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries in the neck become narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque. This can cause reduced blood flow to the brain or dislodge emboli that cause a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).