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
It’s hard to notice the symptoms when the CAD is in the early stages. But in all later stages, you
may experience sudden weakness and numbness on one side of your body. Speaking of
difficulty, blurry vision, wooziness, and severe headache may also be experienced.
These symptoms require a prompt medical examination. Your doctors may do physical tests,
imaging tests, and other specialized diagnostic procedures, which include carotid artery
ultrasound and angiography.
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
At Washington Vascular Specialists, our patients can trust that the treatment choice is customized
to their current health and medical conditions. Our broad understanding of CAD and advanced
technologies ensure the best possible results for each patient.
Our comprehensive approach strives to offer up-to-standard care for our patients and even reduce
the risks of future complications.
For a consultation, call us today at 301-891-2500 or fill out the contact form on our website
today. Trust our doctors and control your vascular health.
