Carotid Artery Disease Symptoms

CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE

DESCRIPTION

Carotid artery is the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the head. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits clog the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head. The blockage increases your risk of stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or seriously reduced

Symptoms –

Blurred vision or vision loss

Confusion

Memory loss

Numbness or weakness

Problems with thinking, reasoning, memory and speech

Risk factors –

High blood pressure

Tobacco use

Diabetes

High blood fat levels

Family history

Older age

Obesity

Diagnosis and test –

Carotid artery screening

Carotid ultrasound imaging

Doppler ultrasound

MR angiography

Screening for carotid artery stenosis

Treatment –

Carotid angioplasty and stenting

Carotid endarterectomy