Carotid Stenosis is a state where the arteries that bring oxygenated blood to the brain from the heart, i.e., the carotid arteries, have become narrowed or blocked, thus very little blood is able to flow. As a result, it is the leading cause of a very high stroke risk situation. Hence, it is absolutely necessary for patients to comprehend the signs, causes, and treatment to be able to save their brains.
What is Carotid Artery Stenosis?
Carotid artery stenosis is the build-up of fatty deposits (plaques) that have been developing in the inner walls of the arteries, resulting in the narrowing of the carotids on both sides of the neck.The latter are the largest vessels that provide the brain with oxygen-rich blood, and when they get constricted, the brain may not receive sufficient blood flow. In addition, part of the plaque may be detached so that it can move to the small arteries and block them, which will cause stroke or a mini-stroke that is transient ischemic attack (TIA) with a certain probability.
Common Symptoms of Carotid Artery Stenosis
The common symptoms might be:
- Sensory or motor sudden deficiency of one body side
- Speech becoming difficult or not being able to use speech
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Lack of balance or coordination
- A sudden severe headache without any apparent reason
Causes and Risk Factors
Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of carotid artery stenosis, which has been identified as the leading cause of the narrowing of the carotid artery. This is a condition in which plaque deposits that gradually increase in the arteries cause them to narrow. The contributors to the condition are:
- Smoking of cigarettes and tobacco
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Too much cholesterol in the blood
- Diabetes
- Being overweight and having an unhealthy diet
- Lack of physical activity
- A family history of heart disease or stroke
- Older age
What are the Diagnostic Methods for Carotid Artery Stenosis?
Doctors first of all suspect carotid artery stenosis based on the patient’s symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis and assess the condition of the arteries, they carry out a few tests. Those are:
Ultrasound (Carotid Duplex Scan): The operation is very easy and safe for the patient. The doctor uses sound waves that reflect from the body to get a picture of the carotid arteries. The pictures can indirectly show stenosis.
Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): This is an operation that involves the use of X-rays to obtain pictures of blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, to see if there is a blockage.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): It is a method that can identify the parts of the arteries that are constricted through the use of magnets and radio waves.
Cerebral Angiography: It is the most accurate method. After the injection of the dye, X-ray pictures of the blood vessels are taken to locate the exact place and the degree of the blockage. Most of the time, it is done before a surgery.
Treatment Options for Carotid Artery Stenosis
The decision of whether to go for an operation is mainly dependent on how much the artery is narrowed and whether there are symptoms or not.
Lifestyle Changes: A patient’s smoking habits are definitely a cause of the damage and therefore the patient must quit smoking immediately; besides smoking cessation, great diet and physical activity are also necessary. Also, if the patient is diabetic or hypertensive, these diseases are to be controlled well.
Medications: A doctor may issue a drug prescription that comprises the medicines needed to lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and inhibit blood clots (antiplatelets such as aspirin).
Carotid Endarterectomy: This is the extraction of the stuff that has built up in the inner side of the carotid artery, where the narrowing is caused, to let the blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke.
Carotid Artery Stenting: It is the least invasive method by which a small metal mesh cylinder (stent) is inserted into the blood vessel to support the vessel and keep it open.
Preventing Stroke Beyond Treatment
As smart as they can be, patients understand that treatment is just a tiny part of the whole plan which is mainly focused on the prevention. Most of the care has to be carried out after the operation or treatment:
- Keep up with regular doctor visits in which your arteries are checked.
- If you happen to be a diabetic, then make sure that you do everything in your power to maintain the blood sugar level within the normal range.
- Get rid of stress from your life by using relaxation methods.
- Stroke symptoms: recognising them right away.
- In addition, you can take care of your emotional and physical health through the support system.
Living with Carotid Artery Stenosis
Those who have carotid artery stenosis should be the main contributors in the treatment process by following the doctor’s guidance, using the medications correctly, and adopting a way of life that is good for the heart. The involvement in support groups and the use of individual therapy can be very helpful in the control of one’s anxiety or in the process of getting over depression, which may be the emotional load of patients suffering from chronic diseases.
Conclusion
Carotid Artery Stenosis is a serious health issue that has the potential to cause a patient’s death. Nevertheless, it can be controlled quite effectively over time if it is diagnosed early and the right treatment is followed. Patients who learn the signs and symptoms, get themselves acquainted with the risk factors, and know what treatments are available, can, thus, decrease their likelihood of having a stroke and improve their general health condition. Book your consultation with the Best Carotid Artery Stenosis Specialist in Amrita Hospital, Faridabad – Dr Arvind Nanda, not only gives a complete evaluation and individualised treatment plan but also imparts to the patient the assurance of good outcomes backed by the doctor’s proficiency and empathetic care.
