Carotid Artery Disease – What You Need to Know

Ever wonder why a blockage in a neck artery can lead to a stroke? That’s the core of carotid artery disease. It’s when fatty plaque builds up in the carotid arteries—the big blood vessels that feed your brain. If the plaque gets big enough, blood flow drops and clots can form, which may travel up to the brain and cause a stroke.

Most people don’t feel anything until the problem is serious. That’s why it’s called a “silent” condition. The good news is you can catch it early with a simple ultrasound, and there are several ways to treat it before a stroke happens.

How It Happens

Think of your arteries like garden hoses. Over time, a mix of cholesterol, calcium, and other stuff sticks to the walls and narrows the passage. This process is called atherosclerosis. Risk factors are the usual suspects: high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease.

When the carotid artery narrows more than about 70%, doctors call it a “significant stenosis.” At that point, the risk of a stroke jumps noticeably. Some people get warning signs—like brief episodes of vision loss in one eye (called amaurosis fugax) or a sudden “whooshing” sound in the head (pulsatile tinnitus). If you notice anything odd, get checked out.

How to Manage It

Managing carotid artery disease starts with lifestyle changes. Cut back on salty foods, quit smoking, exercise a few times a week, and keep blood pressure and cholesterol numbers in the target range. Your doctor may prescribe a statin to lower cholesterol or an antiplatelet drug like aspirin to keep clots from forming.

When medication isn’t enough, there are two main procedures:

• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): A surgeon opens the artery and peels away the plaque. It’s been the gold‑standard for decades and works well for high‑grade blockages.
• Carotid Stenting: A cardiologist threads a tiny tube (stent) into the artery via a catheter and expands it to keep the vessel open. It’s less invasive but may be better suited for people who can’t tolerate an operation.

Both options have risks, so your doctor will weigh factors like your overall health, the exact size of the blockage, and where the plaque sits.

Regardless of the treatment path, regular follow‑up is key. After a procedure or if you’re on medication, doctors usually schedule a duplex ultrasound every 6‑12 months to make sure the artery stays clear.

Bottom line: carotid artery disease is serious but manageable. Spotting it early, fixing risk factors, and following your doctor’s plan can dramatically lower your stroke risk and keep your brain humming smoothly.