Carotid Artery Disease VHC

Carotid Artery Disease - What is CAD? 

The carotid arteries are the main arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain.  
As you age, the carotid arteries build up “plaque,” which is a sticky substance made of fat and cholesterol. Plaque narrows your arteries and makes them stiff. This process is called atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries.” 
Carotid artery disease (CAD) occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This narrowing, also called carotid artery stenosis, can lead to strokes or “mini-strokes.” 
Up to 3% of individuals older than 65 have CAD. Your risk increases as you age and if you have a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease. CAD is responsible for up to one-third of all strokes. 
About 700,000 strokes occur every year. Stroke causes 1 in every 15 deaths. Learn More  

Symptoms

You might not have any symptoms in the early stages of CAD. Sometimes, the first sign of the disease is a stroke. 
However, strokes typically have warning signs — mini-strokes, also called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIA symptoms are usually temporary, lasting a few minutes to a few hours. TIAs should be treated as serious medical emergencies, and they require immediate medical attention.   
Some symptoms of TIA and stroke include: 

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body  
• Inability to control movement of a body part  
• Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes  
• Inability to speak clearly  
• Difficulty talking or comprehending what others are saying 

Causes and Risks

• Older Age  
• Obesity  
• High blood pressure  
• Lack of exercise  
• Diabetes  
• Family history   
• Smoking
• High cholesterol 

Talk to a Doctor 

If you think you are having a stroke or TIA, you should get emergency medical help right away. 

Diagnosis 

If your doctor thinks you might have CAD, they will recommend a noninvasive carotid duplex ultrasound exam. The ultrasound results will confirm if you have CAD and its severity.     

Role of a Vascular Surgeon 

If CAD is confirmed or suspected, you may be referred to a vascular surgeon. Vascular surgeons are experts in the diagnosis, medical management, and all of the procedural options (surgery, stents) to treat CAD.

Source: https://vascular.org/your-vascular-health/vascular-conditions/common-conditions/carotid-artery-disease