Carotid artery stenosis is the narrowing of the two large arteries on either side of the neck that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. Also called carotid stenosis, it is caused by the build-up of fatty deposits, calcium, cholesterol and other fibrous material (plaque) within the arteries \u2013 this is known as atherosclerosis. The stenosis can advance over time and completely block the artery, and this may lead to a stroke.<\/p>\n
Carotid artery stenosis can increase the risk of stroke through the following ways:<\/strong><\/p>\n Atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque in the large arteries that deliver blood to the brain) is the major cause of carotid artery stenosis.<\/p>\n Normal arteries have smooth inner walls and are flexible but carotid arteries that are clogged with plaque tend to be narrow and stiff and have trouble delivering nutrients and oxygen to the brain.<\/p>\n Factors that can increase the risk of carotid artery stenosis include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, tobacco use, age, family history, obesity, sleep apnea and lack of exercise.<\/p>\n Carotid artery stenosis does not produce symptoms until a clot forms or the artery becomes severely narrowed. The first symptom to show is usually a mini stroke which is also known as transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted temporarily and then restored. TIA lasts a couple of minutes and then resolves completely with the person returning to normal.<\/p>\n TIA should be taken seriously as it is a sign that a stroke or brain injury could be looming.<\/p>\n Symptoms of TIA or stroke include sudden:<\/p>\n Carotid artery disease can sometimes cause a bruit or an abnormal sound in the artery and it can be heard by a stethoscope.<\/p>\n Imaging tests that can diagnose, localize and measure stenosis include:<\/p>\n The main aim of treating carotid artery stenosis is to prevent stroke. Treatment usually depends on the extent of blockage in the carotid arteries.<\/p>\n For mild to moderate blockage, the physician might recommend medication <\/strong>to lower cholesterol or control blood pressure or lifestyle changes <\/strong>such as losing weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and regular exercise.<\/p>\n For severe blockage or if you\u2019ve already had TIA, your physician might recommend removing the blockage from the artery through one of the following options:<\/p>\n At King\u2019s College Hospital Dubai, we focus on offering an exemplary service. From initial consultation through to final diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team of expert doctors, nurses, cardiologists and technologists are here to offer tailored management and treatment of your condition, and to answer any questions that you may have throughout your time with us. Whatever you need us for, we\u2019re only a phone-call away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":4347,"menu_order":288,"template":"","service-category":[],"class_list":["post-4536","service","type-service","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n
Causes of Carotid Artery Stenosis<\/h1>\n
Symptoms of Carotid Artery Stenosis<\/h1>\n
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Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Stenosis<\/h1>\n
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Treatment of Carotid Artery Stenosis<\/h1>\n
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Next Step<\/h1>\n