Understanding Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid arteries carry the main blood supply from the heart to the brain, there are two and they are located at the side of the neck. You can feel the carotid artery pulsing if you place your fingers just behind and to one side of the Adam’s apple in the neck. Many strokes are caused by Carotid artery disease because of a blockage in the left or right carotid artery.
The Risk Factors of Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease is a medical condition characterised by the narrowing of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. This condition is predominantly caused by atherosclerosis, a process where fatty deposits called plaques build up in the artery walls, leading to decreased blood flow. Various factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, including high cholesterol levels, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. These risk factors can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing carotid artery disease.
When a carotid artery becomes blocked it can cut off or reduce the blood flow to the brain resulting in a stroke.
Stent Placement For Carotid Artery Disease
Stenting is done by inserting a small mesh tube (stent) into the carotid artery, this is to keep the artery open to restore proper blood flow to the brain. This procedure is particularly important for patients with severe narrowing, as it can reduce the chances of stroke and other complications. Note that the plaque is not removed from the artery but pressed against the arteries walls, so it can be a temporary fix however if the person has just had a major stroke it is the only fast effective way to restore blood flow rapidly.
Carotid Artery Disease Alternative Treatment
So is there an alternative treatment for carotid artery disease? Well, the professional healthcare guidelines are to typically begin with lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing risk factors. These may include adopting a heart healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Pharmacological treatments are generally antiplatelet agents and statins are also commonly prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent further progression of the disease. However these medications do not reduce the plaque in the arteries which is the actual cause of carotid artery disease.
Stroke and CAD
The Stroke occurs when the artery becomes narrowed due to a plaque build up, this is known as carotid artery disease where a blood clot forms and blocks the narrowed artery, another common problem is when a piece of plaque breaks off the arterial wall and is carried to the smaller brain arteries.
When the brain is deprived of blood it is deprived of oxygen and when the brain has been without oxygen for long enough, it will die. When blood flow and oxygen is restored after a stroke, there are generally long lasting and disabling effects depending on the severity of the stroke.
These effects can influence speech, motor functions and memory. The recovery period after a stroke can be long battle and the patient may never recover fully. Carotid Artery Disease can be prevented however if you minimise the risk by eating healthily, stopping smoking.
TIA’s and Carotid Artery Disease
TIA’s or transient ischaemic attacks – mini strokes. A blood clot or debris from a diseased carotid artery can break loose from the artery wall and lodge in one of the small arteries in the brain. This causes similar results to a stroke with paralysis or loss of sensation in the arm, leg or face but only on one side of the body.
Usually the blood clot or debris breaks up rapidly or it can be dissolved by substances made in the blood system, sometimes the symptoms disappear in a few minutes or hours. A patient usually returns to normal in 24 hours with no lasting disability or effects.
Anyone who has a TIA is at risk of a further major stroke and should consult their Doctor. The risk can be reduced by changing diet and following an exercise programme. Surgery to unblock the carotid artery is also an option however Hospitals generally do not unblock the artery unless it is at a 70 – 80% blockage level. Why on earth would anyone want to wait till that stage !!!
The accumulation of plaque on the artery walls can be one of many uncontrollable factors such as age, sex and lifestyle. Because of lifestyle we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to arterial blockage, but this is controllable.
Exercising on a regular basis even for a short time and stopping smoking can cut down the risk factors of Carotid Artery Disease.
A diet rich in grains, fruit and vegetables, this should be low in saturated fats, this will also benefit your heart.