Carotid artery disease is a type of peripheral arterial disease in which there is “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) in the carotid arteries. These arteries, which lie in the neck, carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain. When an individual develops this condition, these vital arteries can become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque along the walls.

People with carotid artery disease are at increased risk of having an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke. During this kind of stroke, the blood supply to the brain is obstructed, thus depriving the brain of oxygen-rich blood.

Carotid artery disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the arteries become narrower, an individual may experience symptoms indicating impaired blood flow to the brain, such as numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or vision problems. These symptoms can vary in length and could be an indication of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

The disease is usually diagnosed during an individual’s routine physical examination. Based on the patient’s symptoms, the physician listens to the carotid arteries through a stethoscope to determine if any telltale sounds (bruits) are present. Other tests that may be ordered include a carotid doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiogram (a type of MRI), CAT scan and/or a carotid angiogram.

Once a diagnosis has been made, patients are generally urged to make lifestyle changes such as a eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking and getting regular exercise. Under supervision of a physician, a daily dose of aspirin (81 to 325 milligrams), or other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, may be prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke by helping to prevent blood clots. Statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, also may be used to help prevent stroke.

For patients with more serious carotid artery disease, surgery (carotid endarterectomy) or less-invasive procedures, such as carotid artery stenting, may be recommended. During endarterectomy, the surgeon opens the arteries and strips away plaque that is clogging the vessel. During carotid artery stenting, a special metal mesh tube called a stent is permanently implanted in the vessel to help keep it open and reduce the chance of stroke.