Carotid artery disease - Overview

Definition of Carotid artery disease:

The carotid arteries provide the main blood supply to the brain. There carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck under the jawline.

Carotid artery disease is a condition in which these arteries become narrowed or blocked. When the arteries become narrowed, the condition is called carotid stenosis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Carotid artery disease occurs when sticky, fatty substances called plaque build up in the inner lining of the arteries. See: Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

The plaque may slowly block or narrow the carotid artery or cause a clot (thrombus) to form. Clots can lead to stroke.

Risk factors for blockage or narrowing of the arteries include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Heavy alcohol use
• Kidney disease, especially when dialysis is needed
• Cocaine abuse
• Family history of stroke
• Increasing age

Smoking is also a risk factor. Smoking increases the risk of most types of stroke. People who smoke one pack a day have over two times the risk of stroke compared to nonsmokers.

Two uncommon conditions called Marfan syndrome and fibromuscular dysplasia (abnormal growth or development of the cells in the walls of carotid arteries) may also cause narrowing of the carotid arteries.