Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Division of Vascular Surgery
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Carotid Artery Disease
What is Carotid Artery Disease?
The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck and supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood. Carotid artery disease (sometimes referred to as hardening of the arteries) occurs when these arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the build-up of fat and cholesterol deposits, called plaque, inside the arteries. This condition is a major cause of stroke.
Patients may be able to prevent or slow the progression of carotid artery disease by controlling or eliminating the risk factors that contribute to it.
Learn more about Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke
What is carotid artery disease?
Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease
Many people with carotid artery disease have no symptoms. A stroke may be the first symptom of the disease.
Some people may experience warning signs called a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke). TIA symptoms may be felt for a duration of a few minutes up to half an hour. Even if there is no permanent effect, the event should always be considered potentially serious and should be reported to your health care provider as soon as possible.
The classic symptoms of TIA due to of carotid artery disease are...
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Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body or one arm or leg, with no obvious cause
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Temporary loss of control of movement in one arm or leg
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Partial loss of vision in one eye (often compared to a shade coming down) that lasts for 5 to 15 minutes
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Inability to pronounce words or speak clearly