What Should Seniors Know About Carotid Artery Disease?
Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries supplying blood to the brain, increasing stroke risk. Understanding this condition helps seniors recognize warning signs and take steps to prevent stroke.
Understanding Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid arteries run along each side of the neck, carrying blood from the heart to the brain. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, can narrow these arteries. Severe narrowing or plaque rupture can cause stroke.
Stroke occurs when brain tissue is deprived of blood supply. Carotid disease causes stroke either by severely restricting blood flow or when pieces of plaque break off and travel to block smaller brain arteries. Either mechanism damages brain tissue.
Risk Factors
The same factors that cause heart disease cause carotid disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity all contribute. Age increases risk as plaque accumulates over decades.
Family history of atherosclerosis increases risk. Prior heart disease or peripheral artery disease indicates systemic atherosclerosis likely affecting carotid arteries too.
Symptoms
Carotid disease often causes no symptoms until stroke or transient ischemic attack occurs. This silent progression makes screening important for those at risk.
Transient ischemic attacks, or mini-strokes, may be warning signs. TIA symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, vision loss in one eye, or confusion. Symptoms resolve within minutes to hours but indicate high stroke risk.
Stroke symptoms are similar to TIA but persist. Any sudden neurological symptoms require immediate emergency evaluation. Time is critical for stroke treatment.
Diagnosis
Carotid ultrasound is the primary screening and diagnostic test. This painless, non-invasive test visualizes the arteries and measures narrowing. It can detect significant disease before symptoms occur.
CT angiography and MR angiography provide detailed images when planning intervention. Conventional angiography may be used when other tests are inconclusive or intervention is planned.
Treatment
Medical management is appropriate for mild to moderate carotid disease. Controlling risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar slows progression. Antiplatelet medications like aspirin reduce stroke risk.
Lifestyle modifications support medical treatment. Smoking cessation is essential. Heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management all help.
Carotid endarterectomy surgically removes plaque from the artery. This procedure is recommended for significant narrowing, especially with symptoms. Surgery substantially reduces stroke risk in appropriate candidates.
Carotid stenting uses a catheter to place a mesh tube holding the artery open. This less invasive option suits some patients, particularly those with high surgical risk.
Screening
Routine screening for carotid disease is not recommended for the general population. However, screening may be appropriate for those with multiple risk factors or symptoms suggesting carotid disease. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Getting Carotid Artery Care
All Seniors Foundation encourages cardiovascular risk management to prevent carotid disease and stroke. Controlling risk factors protects brain health. Contact us if you have concerns about stroke risk or cardiovascular health.
