Carotid Stenosis: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Health

Heart disease often comes to mind when people think about artery conditions. However, another critical vascular issue, carotid stenosis, also demands attention because it directly affects the arteries supplying blood to your brain. Understanding carotid stenosis can help you take proactive steps in safeguarding your vascular health.

Understanding Carotid Stenosis

Carotid stenosis is the narrowing of your carotid arteries due to plaque accumulation—a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances restricts blood flow, significantly raising the risk of stroke.

Imagine a water pipe becoming increasingly clogged over time, reducing the flow to vital areas. This scenario resembles the impact carotid stenosis has on blood flow to the brain.

Recognizing Symptoms

Carotid stenosis often doesn’t present obvious symptoms until it becomes severe or leads to complications. However, common signs you might experience include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of your face or body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding conversations
• Sudden visual disturbances, including temporary partial blindness in one eye
• Facial droop
• Balance issues, dizziness, or difficulty walking

Experiencing any of these symptoms—even temporarily—could indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly known as a mini-stroke, and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing carotid stenosis, such as:

• High cholesterol and high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of cardiovascular or vascular diseases
• Age-related changes

Regular screenings and check-ups become particularly essential if you have these risk factors, even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.

Carotid Stenosis and Stroke

Carotid stenosis is a significant risk factor for stroke. The primary danger arises when plaque become severely restrictive, leading to reduced blood supply to the brain leading to a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) or stroke. Early detection and management of carotid stenosis can significantly mitigate these risks.

Diagnosing Carotid Stenosis

Doctors typically diagnose carotid stenosis through imaging tests:

• Carotid Ultrasound: A quick and painless method using sound waves to visualize blood flow and plaque buildup.
• CT Angiography (CTA) or MRI Angiography (MRA): These detailed imaging tests precisely pinpoint the location and severity of artery narrowing.

I usually begin with ultrasound screening, progressing to advanced imaging if initial results indicate significant concerns.

Treatment Options

Treatment decisions depend on the severity of stenosis and the presence of symptoms:

• Lifestyle and Medication: Recommended for mild, asymptomatic stenosis, focusing on reducing cholesterol, managing blood pressure, and improving lifestyle habits.
• Procedural Interventions: For moderate to severe cases or when symptoms are evident, procedures to lower risk of stroke may be needed:

1. Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
   • Surgical removal of plaque from the artery, commonly recommended for patients that are good surgical candidates.
2. Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)
   • A minimally invasive procedure where a stent is placed to keep the artery open.

The choice of treatment is personalized, emphasizing safety and effectiveness.

Real Patient Insight: Early Action Saves Lives

Consider a 70-year-old patient who regularly enjoyed hiking. He began experiencing brief, intermittent episodes of dizziness and vision loss, attributing them to aging. After a more severe dizzy spell, he visited my clinic, and a carotid ultrasound revealed significant stenosis. A timely carotid endarterectomy successfully restored blood flow and prevented a potential stroke.

He later reflected, “I had no idea these brief symptoms could mean something so serious.” His experience underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms and promptly seeking medical care.

When to Seek Immediate Care

You should promptly seek medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, on one side of the body or face
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, or slurred speech
• Sudden loss of vision in one eye, as if a shade is being pulled down
• Facial droop
• Loss of balance or unexplained dizziness

Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications such as stroke.

Prioritizing Your Vascular Health

Your vascular health directly influences your overall well-being and brain function. Protect yourself by understanding your risks, recognizing symptoms, and attending regular screenings. Early action makes a difference.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have risk factors for carotid stenosis, contact Dr. Angelo Santos at 605-306-6100 today. Timely intervention is crucial in preserving your health and quality of life.