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Carotid artery disease happens when plaque builds up in the neck arteries that supply blood to your brain. Most people have no symptoms until a transient ischemic attack or stroke occurs. Some notice gradual changes in how they feel, but many don’t realize anything is wrong until a serious event happens.
This guide explains what to watch for, how doctors diagnose the condition and what carotid artery disease treatment options actually work.
Daily Changes You Might Notice
You’re Tired All the Time
You get a full night’s sleep but feel wiped out by lunch. Walking around the store or going upstairs takes more out of you than it used to. This happens when your brain runs low on oxygen. But plenty of things make you tired, so this alone doesn’t mean you have carotid disease.
Your Mind Feels Fuzzy
Names you’ve known for years slip away. You start a sentence and forget where you were going with it. Following along in meetings or reading more than a few pages gets hard. These changes sneak up slowly, so you might chalk it up to stress or just getting older.
You Feel Off Balance
Standing up makes you dizzy. Walking feels less steady than it used to. Maybe you grab the handrail more often or think twice before driving somewhere unfamiliar.
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Warning Signs That Mean Call 911
A TIA brings on stroke symptoms that fade within minutes to hours:
- One side of your body goes weak or numb
- You can’t get words out or understand what people say
- You lose vision in one eye
- A terrible headache hits out of nowhere
Don’t wait to see if it passes. Call 911 right away. TIAs are your body’s way of saying a bigger stroke is coming.
How It Changes Your Day
At Work
Staying focused gets harder. You catch yourself making mistakes you wouldn’t have made before. Projects that used to be routine now take longer.
Staying Active
Your usual workout leaves you exhausted. Activities where you need good balance, like dancing or gardening, don’t feel safe anymore. You might stop doing things you love because you don’t trust your body.
Being Social
When you’re beat all the time or can’t keep up with conversations, going out loses its appeal. Forgetting someone’s name right in front of them gets embarrassing.
Getting Diagnosed
Carotid duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to check blood flow and find narrowing.The test takes about 30 minutes with no needles or radiation. If problems are found, your doctor might order CT or MR angiography for detailed images.
Consider screening if you:
- Are over 65 with cardiovascular risk factors
- Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Smoke or have a smoking history
- Have heart disease or leg circulation problems
Treatment Options
Less Than 50% Blocked
Narrowing under 50% usually gets treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment includes daily aspirin to prevent blood clots, statins to lower cholesterol and blood pressure medication to keep levels below 140/90, or 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
50-70% Blocked
Treatment depends on whether you’ve had symptoms like TIA or stroke. Your doctor considers your age, overall health and other risk factors.
Over 70% Blocked
You usually need a procedure. Options include surgery to remove plaque or stenting to hold the artery open.
Whether surgery versus stenting, your vascular specialist recommends the best approach for your situation.
Lifestyle Changes
Diet
Eat vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts and olive oil. Limit red meat, fried foods and processed items. Keep salt under 2,300 mg daily.
Exercise
Walk 30 minutes five days a week. Swimming and biking are good alternatives. Regular moderate activity works best.
Quit Smoking
Smoking accelerates artery damage. Ask your doctor about medications and counseling programs.
Weight Management
Losing 5-10% of your body weight improves blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Managing Daily Life
Adapting Your Routine
Take breaks during mentally demanding tasks. Schedule important activities when you have the most energy. Use lists and reminders for memory support.
Safety Measures
Remove tripping hazards at home. Improve lighting. Use a cane if balance is an issue. Tell family members about your limitations.
Emotional Support
Concern about stroke is understandable. Talk with your doctor about worries. Support groups can help you connect with others managing this condition.
After Treatment
You’ll get ultrasounds at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, then yearly. Many people notice improved energy, clearer thinking and better balance within weeks. Results vary.
With medication and lifestyle changes, stroke risk runs about 11% over two years. Appropriate procedures can reduce this to 2-5%.
What to Do Next
If you have symptoms: Schedule a carotid ultrasound. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor.
If you have risk factors but no symptoms: Ask about screening if you’re over 65 or have multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
Talk to our vascular specialist at PVC if you’re concerned. They’ll order the right tests and explain your treatment options based on your specific situation.
