Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke Prevention
The carotid arteries provide the majority of blood flow to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked. The major cause of carotid artery disease is atherosclerosis, a slow process in which deposits of fat, cholesterol and calcium build up inside an artery, also known as plaque.
Risk factors are habits, traits or conditions that may increase a person's chance of developing atherosclerosis.
When symptoms of a stroke occur for only a brief period of time, it is called a mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Transient means brief and ischemic means a shortage of blood supply. The symptom may last from a few seconds to many hours, but it must go away within 24 hours to be called a TIA. If the symptoms last longer than 24 hours, a stroke has occurred. People who have a TIA related to carotid artery disease are at higher risk of having a major stroke at a later date.
Symptoms of carotid artery disease and/or stroke depend on the part of the brain that is affected. Each part of the brain controls certain parts of the body. For example, when an artery to the eye is blocked or narrowed, vision may be affected. However, a stroke or mini-stroke may occur with no warning signs or symptoms. Symptoms may include:
Diagnosis of carotid artery disease is made using the following tests:
Learn more about carotid artery disease and stroke prevention treatment.
Ongoing clinical research trials at the Center for Vascular Disease are investigating new treatment options for carotid artery disease to ensure that our patients continue to receive the most innovative care in the country. For more information regarding these clinical trials, visit the Clinical Trials Unit of Northwestern, send an email or call 312-926-4000.
For more information regarding carotid artery disease and stroke prevention, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at 312-NM-HEART (664-3278) or request a first time appointment online.