Carotid arteries, which are located on either side of the neck, are responsible for providing blood to your neck, face, and brain. When obstructions form in one or both arteries, carotid stenosis can occur. In addition to surgical procedures, carotid stenosis can also be treated with medication.
The carotid arteries can sometimes become narrower due to the build-up of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. As arteries become narrower, they prevent adequate blood flow from reaching the brain. Lack of blood flow can severely damage brain cells, or it can lead to a stroke in the event of a total block.
Certain risk factors are associated with carotid stenosis, including:
While it’s important to be aware of these risk factors, keep in mind that carotid stenosis can also impact people without obvious risk.
With severe cases of carotid stenosis where the artery has narrowed more than 70%, doctors will usually recommend surgery. However, certain medications are also highly effective at treating the condition:
Along with medications, physicians also recommend certain lifestyle changes to prevent the occurrence of a serious medical event. Changes can include:
It’s important to follow doctor’s orders when it comes to carotid stenosis. Doing so can improve one’s health and prevent more serious complications.