Carotid Artery Disease (CAD)

Overview

Carotid Artery Disease is a blood clot that affects major blood vessels along the neck region. The
carotid arteries, which transport oxygen-rich blood to the brain, start to narrow or even get
blocked. This might be because of a buildup of fatty deposits in your body called plaque.
Carotid artery disease is a slow-developing process but can be life-threatening. Since your brain
cells are barred from receiving oxygenated blood, they may start to die. The risks of suffering a
stroke or transient ischemic attack may follow.

Carotid Artery Risk Factors

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Obesity and family history of cardiovascular diseases

Carotid Artery Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis

Carotid artery disease may have no symptoms before a stroke or TIA. Call 911 immediately for sudden face drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision changes, loss of balance, or a severe unexplained headache—even if symptoms go away. Note when symptoms started. Do not drive yourself or wait for an office appointment.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment Options

There are various approaches to treating CAD, but it all hinges on your doctor. At Washington
Vascular Specialist, our treatment plans aim to reduce stroke risks and promote blood flow and
vascular health.

Our treatment plans include;

Carotid Endarterectomy

This a surgical procedure aimed at removing the plaque deposits from the carotid artery. Our
vascular surgeons access the narrowed artery through a small incision on the neck region. Once
the plaque is removed, your blood flow to the brain is restored. Not that endarterectomy is one of
the most advanced treatments of CAD.

Carotid Stenting:

Carotid stenting is a less invasive procedure and an alternative to surgery which uses a stent to
widen the narrow Carotid artery. Our surgeons will make an incision in your groin area and then
thread a  catheter through it till it reaches the affected carotid artery.
The catheter has a small balloon that will be inflated once it reaches the blockage. The pressure
will open the narrowing, and the mesh-like stent can be left in the region for structural support.

Medication management

Besides surgical interventions, medication may be prescribed to battle underlying conditions
such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin,
clopidogrel, and anticoagulants may also come in handy.

Lifestyle adjustment

Regular exercise, balancing your diet, and quitting smoking may solidify your chances of better
Carotid artery health. The best doctors will guide and support you during this phase and ensure
your lifestyle optimizes your well-being.

Get the Best Treatment and Care

For non-emergency follow-up after urgent assessment, or to discuss an established diagnosis or risk factors without new symptoms, contact WVS about scheduling. Appointment requests are not a way to obtain emergency care.