Symptoms

Carotid artery disease often has no symptoms until a stroke or TIA occurs. Recognizing the warning signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is critical for prevention.

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, including blindness or blurring.
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination making walking difficult.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – temporary stroke symptoms that resolve within minutes to hours, serving as a warning sign of future stroke.

Causes & Risk Factors

Carotid artery disease is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, but several risk factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Managing these risk factors is crucial for prevention and treatment.

• Atherosclerosis – buildup of plaque inside the carotid artery walls, narrowing and stiffening the arteries.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension) – damages arterial walls and accelerates plaque formation.
• Smoking – a leading cause of carotid artery disease, damaging blood vessels and increasing plaque buildup.
• High cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) – contributes directly to plaque formation in the carotid arteries.
• Diabetes mellitus – increases the risk of atherosclerosis and accelerates disease progression.
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle – increases strain on the cardiovascular system.
• Age over 60 – natural aging process increases risk, especially with other risk factors.
• Family history – genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis and stroke.

Diagnosis

At Nandan Vascular Center, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately assess carotid artery disease severity and plan appropriate treatment: Carotid Duplex Ultrasound – a non-invasive test that combines Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and visualize plaque in the carotid arteries, CT Angiography (CTA) – detailed imaging to map the carotid anatomy and measure stenosis, MR Angiography (MRA) – non-invasive imaging to assess the carotid arteries without radiation, Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) – the gold standard for precise visualization of carotid artery blockages before intervention.

Treatment Options

Carotid artery disease treatment focuses on reducing stroke risk, relieving symptoms, and preventing disease progression. We offer a full spectrum of treatments tailored to each patient's condition.

Understanding TIA (Mini-Stroke)

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is often a warning sign of an impending stroke. Recognizing and responding to TIA symptoms is crucial for stroke prevention.

• What is a TIA? – A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms lasting less than 24 hours, usually resolving within minutes.
• Why is it important? – Approximately one-third of people who experience a TIA will have a major stroke within one year if left untreated.
• Immediate Action Required – Any TIA symptoms should be evaluated immediately in the emergency department or by a vascular specialist.
• Treatment after TIA – Urgent evaluation of carotid arteries and appropriate intervention can reduce the risk of a subsequent stroke by up to 80%.

Complications of Untreated Carotid Artery Disease

Untreated carotid artery disease can lead to devastating complications that affect long-term health and quality of life.

• Ischemic Stroke – the most serious complication, caused by a clot blocking a cerebral artery, leading to permanent brain damage, disability, or death.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – temporary stroke symptoms that serve as a warning sign of future stroke.
• Vascular Dementia – progressive cognitive decline caused by reduced blood flow to the brain over time.
• Amaurosis Fugax – temporary blindness in one eye due to plaque emboli, often a warning sign of carotid artery disease.

Why Choose Nandan Vascular Center?

We provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary carotid artery disease care with a focus on stroke prevention, advanced interventions, and long-term neurological health.

• Specialized Carotid Disease Clinic
• Experienced Vascular & Endovascular Team
• Advanced Diagnostic Technology
• Surgical & Minimally Invasive Options
• Comprehensive Stroke Prevention Programs
• Coordinated Care with Neurology Team