Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid Artery Disease is the leading
cause of ischemic stroke. The two carotid
arteries (one on each side of the neck) are
the major vessels supplying blood to the
brain. When these arteries become diseased,
plaque can build up and narrow the arteries
reducing blood flow to the brain. A stoke
occurs when plaque breaks loose or a blood
clot forms and breaks loose and travels to
the brain, interrupting blood flow. This
interruption of blood flow to the brain
causes brain cells to die.
WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
There are often no warning signs or
symptoms of carotid artery disease.
Occasionally, carotid artery disease can be
detected on physical examination by
detecting an abnormal blood flow sound over
the carotid arteries. Carotid artery disease
can easily be detected by several imaging
tests including ultrasound imaging.
RISK FACTORS FOR CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE
Carotid Artery Disease is a form of vascular
disease caused by atherosclerosis or
“hardening of the arteries”. Risk factors
for the development of carotid artery
disease include:
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- diabetes
- high cholesterol levels
- obesity
- physical inactivity
- age
- family history of vascular disease
DIAGNOSIS
The presence of carotid artery disease can
be detected by several imaging tests but is
most commonly detected by non-invasive
ultrasound imaging. SafeHeart Health Screens
Health Screens utilizes ultrasound imaging
to detect the presence of carotid artery
disease.
