Carotid artery disease or carotid artery stenosis is a disease developed due to cardiovascular incapacity and cerebral infraction. Carotid artery disease is related with deep, subcortical or cortical infarctions.
The most common cause of carotid artery disease is atherosclerosis. Ischemic stroke results form a mural thrombosis at a site of atherosclerotic plaque leading to artery-to-artery atheroembolism or to occlusive thrombus.
Less common cause of carotid artery disease include Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, fibromuscular dysplasia, dissection, and radiation-induced arteriopathy.
The two external carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, supply blood to the brain and eyes.
The beginning of the internal carotid artery and the middle or anterior cerebal artery are the most common sides so atherosclerosis. A superimposed clot leads to a ‘transient ischemic attack’ or a stroke.
Primary prevention of carotid artery disease involves the management of modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis. If one:
*Smokes, stop - avoid secondhand smoke
*Has hypertension - take measures to normalize blood pressure
*Is sedentary - engage in physical activities and exercise
*Manifests abnormal blood lipid levels - modify levels to acceptable limits with diet, exercise and medication
*Is diabetic - establish measures to ensure tight control of blood glucose and lipid levels
*Feels stressed - reduce or minimize stress level and learn to cope effectively
Carotid artery stenosis
