Carotid Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Lesser known cardiovascular conditions — like carotid artery disease — are often overlooked, but they can pose a significant risk to your health.

Understanding the signs of carotid artery disease and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial, as this condition can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease — also known as carotid artery stenosis — is a serious medical condition that develops when arteries in the body become narrowed and blocked.

These arteries — called carotid arteries — are vital blood vessels that play a crucial role in supplying blood to essential organs, including the brain and eyes.

When they become narrowed and blocked, blood flow to the brain is reduced, and your risk of suffering from a stroke increases significantly.

Signs and symptoms of carotid artery disease

Carotid artery disease is often called a “silent killer” because it can develop gradually without causing any noticeable symptoms.

Any symptoms that appear usually develop when the condition has progressed to a serious stage. These symptoms may include:

• Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes
• Experiencing a full-blown stroke
• Presence of bruits (a sound in the body caused by turbulent blood flow)
• Blurry vision
• Memory problems
• Behavioral changes
• Muscle weakness

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on how severe your condition is.

Causes of Carotid Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis

Carotid artery disease is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty plaques within the arterial walls.

This buildup narrows or blocks the arteries and restricts the flow of blood to the brain.

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — or “bad cholesterol” — and other factors like chronic inflammation are often responsible for atherosclerosis.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Lifestyle choices play a key part in the development of carotid artery disease.

Habits like smoking are especially harmful because it damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup.

Following a diet that is high in saturated and trans fats can also increase blood cholesterol and promote atherosclerosis.

In addition, a sedentary lifestyle can also significantly compound risk factors — like obesity and high blood pressure — which in turn can contribute to the development of carotid artery disease.

Medical conditions

Various medical conditions can increase your risk of developing carotid artery disease, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) which can damage the lining of the arteries and make them more susceptible to atherosclerosis

• Diabetes — a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels — can also cause blood vessel damage, which may lead to carotid artery disease

• Obesity is often associated with high blood pressure and cholesterol, which further increases your risk of atherosclerosis

If you have any of these conditions, consulting your doctor to assess your risk for developing carotid artery disease is important.

How is Carotid Artery Disease Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will diagnose carotid artery disease by evaluating your medical history, performing physical examinations, and conducting specialized tests.

You can expect the following from a typical diagnosis procedure:

• Medical history evaluation is the first step in the process. This is when your doctor assesses your symptoms, risk factors, and history of cardiovascular disease. They will also ask you about any medications you’re currently taking or that you’ve used in the past.

• Physical examination is the second step. During this check, your doctor will listen to the carotid arteries with a stethoscope to identify bruits or any other physical signs of disease.

Depending on the outcome of the medical history and physical evaluations, your doctor may recommend further testing to provide an accurate diagnosis. This may involve:

• Carotid ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound): This noninvasive test creates images of the internal structure of the carotid arteries. It can show the presence, location, and severity of plaques and measure the speed of blood flow, helping to identify narrow or blocked areas.

• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): CTA and MRA are advanced imaging techniques that provide detailed images of the carotid arteries to determine the severity of the disease.

• Carotid angiography: This is an invasive test that involves inserting a catheter through a small incision — usually in the groin — and guiding it to the carotid arteries. A contrast dye is then injected, and X-rays are taken to visualize blood flow and blockages.

• CT or MRI scans of the brain: While not a direct test for carotid artery disease, a CT scan or MRI of the brain may be performed to assess the effects of reduced blood flow.

Additionally, your doctor may evaluate other cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, to inform and guide treatment recommendations

What are the Treatment Options for Carotid Artery Disease?

There are various treatment options for carotid artery disease aimed at reducing symptoms, improving blood flow, and preventing complications like strokes.

Medications

For mild to moderate cases of carotid artery disease, your doctor may recommend various medications.

These typically include blood-thinning drugs — like aspirin, clopidogrel, dabigatran, or warfarin — which can aid in smoother blood flow and lower the risk of clot formation.

Depending on your individual risk factors, your doctor may also suggest medications to reduce cholesterol levels or blood pressure.

Surgical procedures

For more severe cases, or when the arteries are significantly blocked, surgical intervention may be necessary. These procedures may include:

• Carotid endarterectomy (CEA): This surgery involves removing the plaque buildup in the arteries to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.

• Carotid angioplasty and stenting: This procedure involves inserting a small wire mesh into the arteries to open them and prevent blockages.

• Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR): TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision above the blocked arteries and reversing the blood flow to clear any plaque buildup. This option is usually only available to people who don’t qualify for other surgical procedures.

Your doctor will determine if surgery is appropriate for you and help you choose the best option to manage your condition effectively.

Risk Factors and Complications

Genetic factors

Genetics may influence your chances of developing carotid artery disease.

Individuals with a family history of early heart disease or stroke may have a higher risk, which suggests this condition could be genetic.

This highlights the importance of regular health screenings, especially for those with a family history of cardiovascular conditions. Age and gender

Age can be a significant risk factor for carotid artery disease, as the risk of atherosclerosis increases the older you get.

This increase is due to the arteries becoming less elastic and more prone to damage over time.

Gender is another factor that can elevate the risk of carotid artery disease. Generally, men have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis at an earlier age, while women's risk tends to increase after menopause.

Potential complications

The most common complication that can develop from carotid artery disease is a stroke. Carotid artery disease can cause a stroke through:

• Reduced blood flow to the brain
• Broken plaques that travel to arteries in the brain and block the blood supply
• Blockages caused by blood clots

A stroke is a medical emergency that can cause brain damage and muscle weakness, and may even be fatal.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone around you displays the warning signs of a stroke, including:

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulties understanding speech
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache
• Trouble seeing from one or both eyes
• Trouble walking
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Dizziness

Can Carotid Artery Disease Be Prevented?

In some cases, it may be possible to prevent carotid artery disease from developing..

Prevention mainly involves regular check-ups and screenings, and lifestyle changes that can help you avoid a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

These changes may include:

• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Following a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting or abstaining from alcohol

If you have a medical condition — like diabetes or high blood pressure — it’s important to take the proper medication and make healthy lifestyle choices to manage it.

Following these measures can aid in preventing the development of further complications, such as carotid artery disease.

When Should You See Your Doctor About Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease is a serious condition and you should see your doctor if you start experiencing any abnormal symptoms.

It’s also crucial to consult a doctor if you fall into any of the high-risk categories for carotid artery disease.

This will allow a healthcare provider to assess your individual risk and recommend preventative strategies to avoid complications.

Where Can You Learn More About Managing and Living with Carotid Artery Disease?

If you’re concerned about your heart health or want to know more about carotid artery disease, LifeMD is here to help.

Life MD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing carotid artery disease while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.